The former linebacker was detained after an incident at a West Hollywood club, with authorities investigating an assault involving a deadly weapon.

Willie McGinest Jr., the former NFL linebacker, was arrested on Monday in relation to an assault that took place at a nightclub in Southern California. The incident occurred on December 9 at a venue in West Hollywood, where McGinest was reportedly involved in an altercation.

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, witnesses identified McGinest as a participant in the assault. Following his voluntary visit to the West Hollywood sheriff’s station to provide a statement, he was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon. McGinest was later released after posting bond.

At this stage, it remains unclear whether McGinest has retained legal representation to comment on the allegations.

The 51-year-old McGinest enjoyed a 15-year career in the NFL, playing for both the New England Patriots and the Cleveland Browns after his college football days at the University of Southern California.