May 25, 2021; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt (57) runs a drill with linebacker Darius Hodge (44) during practice at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
Cincinnati Bengals rookie free agent signing Darius Hodge was arrested Sunday in Wake Forest, N.C., stemming from an assault that allegedly occurred in 2019, per a report from WRAL.com.
The Marshall product faces charges for allegedly hitting a man repeatedly.
Since the alleged incident predates his NFL career, it won’t incur punishment by itself, but it could affect future punishment should he be involved in subsequent incidents.
The defensive lineman went undrafted following a collegiate career in which he totaled 117 tackles, including 20.5 for loss, with 15.5 sacks. As a junior in 2020, he notched 63 tackles, nine for loss, with 6.5 sacks before declaring for the draft.
The Bengals have had 52 arrests since 2000, per data compiled by USA Today. They signed Hodge on May 1.
–Field Level Media