Panthers' Bridges arrested in bar incident

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Dec. 8 (UPI) -- Carolina Panthers offensive lineman Jeremy Bridges has been arrested and charged with assault after a run-in with a bar bouncer, an attorney says.

Bridges attorney George Laughrun says the incident happened Saturday night at a Charlotte, N.C., bar where Bridges allegedly sprayed other patrons while opening a bottle of Dom Perignon champagne, the Charlotte Observer reported.

The manager at of Villa Antonio restaurant, Miguel Rullier, told the Observer Bridges was asked to leave and politely agreed to do so. But a female customer who had been doused with champagne then pursued Bridges, complaining loudly.

"I don't know what she told him, but it made him irritable," said Rullier, adding that Bridges, a 6-foot-5, 325-pound lineman, became angry and had to be restrained by a bouncer. Rullier said Bridges pushed the bouncer out of the way, but did not strike anyone else, eventually leaving before police arrived.

Laughrun said Bridges turned himself in Sunday night and was expected to be released after posting $2,500 bond, adding the lineman would plead not guilty, the Observer said.