Former NFL safety Patrick Chung charged with assault

Former National Football League safety Patrick Chung was charged Tuesday with assault and battery on a family or household member, the Associated Press reported. 

Chung, who won three Super Bowls with the New England Patriots before retiring earlier this year, was arrested on Monday after allegedly pushing a woman to the ground outside of her home, slapping her in the face, and breaking her phone.

Chung appeared for arraignment in a Massachusetts court. He was accompanied by his fiancée and parents.

The Patriot-Ledger reported that Chung, who is also facing charges for vandalism, was released without bail on Tuesday. 

“Patrick’s behavior has been erratic for a very long time,” the woman accusing Chung of assault, who was not identified in press reports, said in court. “His behavior was volatile, it was hostile. It seemed premeditated.”

While Chung did not testify during his arraignment, his fiancée spoke on his behalf. According to the Patriot Ledger, she accused the woman of starting the altercation after Chung attempted to leave her residence.

The woman requested a restraining order against Chung, which has been granted by Quincy District Court Judge Neil Hourihan. The judge has also approved an abuse prevention order. 

These orders instruct Chung to stay away from the woman and her residence for the next year, the AP reported. 

Chung had previously incurred a cocaine possession charge in New Hampshire in January 2020, though that charge was to be dropped on the condition that he undergo periodic drug testing and perform 40 hours of community service, according to the AP.

Chung’s attorney Sandy Pesiridis said her client is looking forward to being proven innocent in court, adding that this situation is better suited for “Probate and Family Court.” 

Chung’s next court date is scheduled for Jan. 7, the AP noted.