FAIRFAX, Va. — Redskins defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth has been charged with assault in what police said was a case of road rage.
Fairfax County police spokeswoman Shelley Broderick said a 38-year-old man told investigators he was driving a Honda Civic in suburban Washington when he saw a pickup truck tailgating him. The man said the driver then made a hand gesture.
Haynesworth, who was driving the truck, got out when the vehicles stopped and assaulted the other driver, Broderick said.
Police have been in touch with Haynesworth’s attorney, and arrangements have been made for him to meet with officers and appear in Fairfax County General District Court at a later date, she said.
Redskins spokesman Tony Wyllie said in an e-mail that team officials are gathering information about the incident and would not comment further.
Haynesworth, a two-time All-Pro defensive lineman, has had his share of trouble while with the Redskins. He repeatedly clashed with coach Mike Shanahan and was suspended without pay for the final four games of the season for “conduct detrimental to the club.” He has played only 20 games for the team since he was signed in 2009 to a seven-year, $100 million contract with $41 million in guaranteed money.
Haynesworth isn’t the only Redskins player to be in trouble with the law recently. In December, defensive lineman Joe Joseph was arrested on charges of driving under the influence less than 24 hours after making his NFL debut.