CLEVELAND -- Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najeh Davenport was charged with domestic violence, child endangering and unlawful restraint in a custody-related confrontation with the mother of his 5-year-old son, police said.
Chief Michael McGrath said Thursday night that Davenport, 29, of Pittsburgh, would be given a chance to surrender for a court appearance on the misdemeanors. If convicted, he could face a sentence of 14 months.
Police said the dispute on Oct. 4 involved Anita Person, 27, of Cleveland, and custody of their son.
According to police, Person said Davenport was picking up the child for a court-approved visit and threatened to keep him. She said Davenport drove off as she unbuckled the child's seatbelt and then slapped and choked her and slammed her to the ground while she held the boy.
According to Davenport, Person became upset over his plans to seek custody. According to Davenport, she climbed into the back seat of the moving car, kneeled on his 2-year-old son and grabbed the 5-year-old, then scratched Davenport's face outside the car.
The 5-year-old suffered a swollen lip.
Davenport could not be reached for comment Friday. Messages were left for him at the offices of the team and his agent. A phone listing for Davenport rang unanswered.
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