Former Atlanta Falcons running back Jamal Anderson was arrested on suspicion of felony domestic violence Wednesday in Los Angeles, officials told local media outlets.
Los Angeles police responded to the San Fernando Valley home at about 11 a.m. and determined that Anderson was involved in a verbal argument that escalated into a physical altercation, LAPD told NBC4 in Los Angeles.
Police told NBC4 that Anderson allegedly strangled the victim. Paramedics responded to the scene, but the victim refused medical treatment.
According to Los Angeles County jail records, he was released on a $50,000 bond, and no initial court date was listed. Representatives for Anderson have not responded to a request for comment.
Jamal Anderson is ‘Dirty Bird’ Creator and Falcons All-Timer
The 53-year-old Anderson is famous for his touchdown celebration dance known as the “Dirty Bird,” during a period of success for the Falcons.
Born in Woodland Hills, Anderson attended El Camino Real High School before playing college football at Moorpark College and the University of Utah. He was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the 1994 NFL Draft.
Anderson’s standout season came in 1998, when he rushed for 1,846 yards and scored 14 touchdowns. That remarkable performance, which culminated in a Super Bowl loss to John Elway’s Denver Broncos, earned him a Pro Bowl selection.
Getty30 Sep 2001: Running back Jamal Anderson #32 of the Atlanta Falcons runs with the ball against the defense of the Arizona Cardinals during their NFL game at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. Mandatory Credit: Donald Miralle/ALLSPORT
He spent eight seasons in the NFL, concluding his career in 2001 following a knee injury. He only played for Atlanta, where he amassed 5,336 rushing yards, 156 receptions for 1,645 yards, and 41 touchdowns.
After his playing days, Anderson had a short lived broadcasting career.
Jamal Anderson Has History of Arrests in Georgia
This is not Anderson’s first encounter with law enforcement. In February 2009, he was arrested on suspicion of cocaine possession after Atlanta police said he and another man were seen using the drug in the restroom of the Peachtree Tavern nightclub.
Anderson was arrested again in June 2012, for driving under the influence in DeKalb County, northeast of Atlanta.
In December 2016, he was banned from a QuikTrip store in Suwanee, Georgia, after allegedly exposing himself and appearing intoxicated. Although he was not arrested, he received a criminal trespass warning, meaning he would face arrest if he returned to that location.
Two years later, Anderson was arrested by Gwinnett County police after refusing to pay his limo driver $50. He was released on a $213 bond, and the driver chose not to press charges. Police noted that Anderson was intoxicated at the time.
Jamal Anderson’s Son Plays for Clemson
Anderson’s son, also named Jamal, is a junior on the Clemson University football team. Entering this season, he had accumulated 15 tackles (including one for loss), one sack, a blocked punt, and 123 defensive snaps over 27 career games, including one start.
GEttyCLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 16: Keyvon Walker #35 of the Florida Atlantic Owls gets tackled by Jamal Anderson #32 of the Clemson Tigers in the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium on September 16, 2023 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)
So far this season, he’s recorded three tackles (one for loss) against No. 9 LSU, added three more against Troy, logged another tackle for loss at Georgia Tech, and made one tackle versus Syracuse. He has not appeared in a game since the Sept. 20 matchup against Syracuse.
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