Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman was charged with indecent assault and battery Tuesday after allegedly groping a woman at a nightclub around 1:30 a.m.
Police responded to an assault and battery in progress at the Storyville nightclub just outside Copley Square. After identifying Edelman, police arrested him, according to Boston Police spokeswoman Elaine Driscoll. Edelman was arraigned at Boston Municipal Court, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office.
From a football perspective, the timing of the arrest was a worst-case scenario for Edelman, who was a healthy scratch for the first time in his career Sunday during the Patriots' loss to the Steelers.
Edelman, a seventh-round draft pick in 2009, had been limited earlier in the season with an ankle injury. He has three receptions for 25 yards this season, and he's averaging 11.7 yards per punt return and 23.8 yards per kick return.
The Patriots announced they are aware of the reports involving Edelman, and they have declined to comment.
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick was asked about Edelman and deferred to the previously released statement.
"I don't think we have enough information to comment on that right now," Belichick said.
Edelman was released without bail, and he is due back in court Jan. 10, 2012.
Messages for Edelman's lawyer, Amy McNamee, have yet to be returned.
