Former Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Ernest Wilford pleaded no contest to charges of resisting arrest after police subdued him with a stun gun during a disturbance at a Jacksonville Beach bar in January, the *The Florida Times-Union* reported Friday.
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, Wilford refused police advice to leave the Ritz Bar and Lounge early Jan. 14 -- his birthday -- before he pushed one officer and was subdued by another using a stun gun.
Police say they responded after a 21-year-old woman complained to management that Wilford was grabbing her. The woman says she asked Wilford not to touch her, but according to the arrest report he said he could do whatever he wanted.
The 32-year-old Wilford was ordered to pay $303 in court costs Friday after pleading to the misdemeanor charge. The Times-Union reports that Judge Charles Cofer withheld adjudication, which means the former NFL player is not considered a convict.
"It's a big deal any time you have an encounter with law enforcement that results in you being Tased," said Stephen Siegel, assistant state attorney, who told the newspaper that because Wilford's case involves a fray with police, the commonm option of erasing the arrest through community service was pulled by prosecutors.
"It's fair to say Ernest has regrets as to parts of that evening," said Wilford's attorney, Scott Mitchell.
Wilford, a fourth-round draft pick in 2004, has 156 career receptions.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
