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Darrelle Revis: Four felony charges can get New York Jets out of contract

By Alex Butler
New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis dives as he breaks up a pass. UPI /John Angelillo
1 of 3 | New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis dives as he breaks up a pass. UPI /John Angelillo | License Photo

Feb. 17 (UPI) -- New York Jets fans received some clarity late Thursday night regarding Darrelle Revis' involvement in a Pittsburgh fight.

It doesn't look good for the aging All-Pro cornerback.

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Inconsistent reports emerged Thursday afternoon, stating that Revis was involved in a tussle last weekend on the city's South Side. Several reports stated that Revis was the aggressor in an incident that left two men unconscious, while his attorney stated that Revis was attacked by a group of five people.

Attorney Daniel Wallach tweeted court filings Thursday night stating the Revis was charged with four first-degree criminal felonies and one misdemeanor. The charges have since been confirmed by multiple sources.

The listed charges include: two counts of aggravated assault, robbery, conspiracy – aggravated assault, and terroristic threats.

An original WTAE-TV report said that two men were taken to the hospital as a result of the incident. Revis and his friend were allegedly involved in the skirmish. The incident occurred around 2:30 a.m. near South 23rd St. and East Carson St., near many popular bars and restaurants.

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WTAE-TV reported that a police officer drove by the area and saw Revis speaking to two people. The officer said when he returned to the area, two of the men were knocked out and Revis was not present.

The 31-year-old Aliquippa native played for the University of Pittsburgh before starring in the NFL. Revis' attorney, Blaine Jones, stated that his client was "assaulted." The once dominant defensive back known as 'Revis Island' allegedly needed medical treatment after the fight.

Revis has language in his contract stipulating that the Jets can void his $15 million salary in 2017, including a $6 million guarantee, by fining or suspending him for conduct detrimental to the team. If the Jets make a decision by March 11, it can also avoid a $2 million roster bonus.

But Revis' legal team could still dispute the Jets voiding the contract, because there is no "specific language stating the Jets can void the deal because of a felony charge," according to Darryl Slater of NJ Advance Media.

"The deal states Revis could be in default of his contract -- and have all of his 2017 guaranteed pay wiped out -- if he is "fined or suspended by the NFL or Club for Conduct Detrimental" or "fined or suspended for violation of the NFL Personal Conduct Policy" or "engages in personal conduct reasonably judged by Club to adversely affect or reflect on Club," Slater wrote.

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The four-time All-Pro has been rumored to be a possible roster cut, or at the very least be moved to No. 2 cornerback or safety by the Jets this offseason. The Jets could save $9.4 million against the salary cap by cutting the seven-time Pro Bowl selection.

Cellphone video of Revis' incident will be available at his preliminary hearing.

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