Chris Clemons Potentially Facing Assault Charges After Nightclub Incident

Arizona Cardinals safety Chris Clemons could reportedly face assault charges for a May incident outside a nightclub in Scottsdale, Arizona. 

According to Yihyun Jeong of the Arizona Republic, “Scottsdale police recommended to the city prosecutor’s office that he be charged with assault with reckless injury and disorderly conduct” for the incident that occurred in the parking lot of the International Boutique Nightclub.

Police said a “woman was knocked out for 20 to 30 seconds by a punch to the face after a fight in the parking lot,” per Jeong.

Jeong noted body-camera footage showed police questioning Clemons and the safety saying the fight was between his girlfriend and the victim. However, the police report stated the victim and other witnesses said Clemons punched the victim, which caused her to bleed and fall to the ground.

Jeong reported in a previous piece that some of the witness accounts varied. According to Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com, one witness said Clemons did hit the woman, while others said they weren't able to see who hit her.

Weinfuss also pointed out the police said Clemons was “visibly intoxicated” and “slurring his speech.”

The Cardinals are aware of the incident and released a statement saying they “notified the league office in accordance with the NFL Personal Conduct Policy,” via Jeong. The team indicated it will “defer” to law enforcement and the league during the investigatory process.

Clemons has been in the league since 2009 and played for the Miami Dolphins before joining the Cardinals. He was a fifth-round pick out of Clemson.