BRONCOS KNEW OF MARSHALL'S ARREST

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Jun 26, 2008 | by FRANK SCHWAB

The Denver Broncos and NFL were aware of receiver Brandon Marshall's March arrest in Georgia shortly after it happened, a team spokesman said Wednesday.

Marshall's arrest for a misdemeanor battery charge, which happened March 6 in Atlanta and is Marshall's third arrest since the start of 2007, was reported by the Denver Post. The report said Marshall's longtime girlfriend Rasheedah Watley claimed in a court affidavit that Marshall hit her in the mouth and left eye, and according to a criminal warrant she had "visible marks above the eye and a laceration on her top and bottom lip."

The report said the Fulton County Solicitor General's Office will decide whether to formally press charges.

"No charges have been filed at this point and the appropriate individuals are dealing with the situation," a statement released by the team said.

Marshall was arrested on March 26, 2007, on suspicion of domestic violence and false imprisonment after an argument with his girlfriend, when he tried to block the taxi she was in from leaving his apartment complex.

Those charges were dropped.

He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence October 22, and his trial is scheduled for Sept. 16. He has pleaded not guilty.

Marshall's issues could result in punishment by the NFL under its conduct policy. According to the policy, any player convicted of or admitting to a criminal violation will be subject to discipline by commissioner Roger Goodell. The discipline could include a fine or suspension.

The Broncos signed veteran receivers Darrell Jackson and Samie Parker and drafted receiver Eddie Royal in April, a month after Marshall's March arrest.

Marshall also suffered a serious right arm injury on March 22.