National Football League

Saints DE charged with domestic abuse

Published Nov. 27, 2010 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith was arrested Saturday in Louisiana after he was accused of grabbing his wife's hair and pulling her down the street.

Police in Lafayette, which is about 50 miles west of Baton Rouge, said Smith and his wife had gotten into an argument just after 2 a.m. while leaving a nightclub. Police Cpl. Paul Mouton said in a press release that officers on patrol saw the argument escalate, and then saw Smith grab the woman's hair.

Greg Bensil, the director of media relations for the Saints said in an e-mail that the team was aware of the charges and had spoken with Smith. He said the team's security staff is looking into the matter but declined further comment.

Mouton says the woman's injuries were minor. Smith has been charged with domestic abuse and simple battery.

Smith was released on $1,000 bond Saturday, according to the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Department.

Smith, the Saints' first-round draft pick in 2004, was a Pro Bowl selection in 2006.