National Football League

Hester says he was assaulted at Illinois casino

Published Oct. 18, 2011 5:26 p.m. ET

foxsports

A suburban Chicago man has been charged with assaulting Chicago Bears wide receiver Devin Hester at a casino.

Police say Hester was in a cashier line Friday night at the Rivers Casino in Des Plaines when Daniel Rago slapped the player in the back of the head with his hand and then walked away. The 52-year-old Rago of Mount Prospect faces one misdemeanor count of battery after the incident, which was captured on surveillance camera.

Police Chief Jim Prandini says Hester didn't retaliate, calling him a ''perfect gentleman'' when he reported to the casino what happened. He says Rago had been drinking and later explained he was just trying to slap Hester's hat off.

Two days later, Hester caught a touchdown pass and added a career-long, 98-yard kickoff return for a score that helped Chicago beat Minnesota Vikings 39-10.