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Rowdy in Long Beach

Two Jets, one ex-Jet arrested after scuffle with police

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Posted: Monday July 12, 1999 06:31 PM

LONG BEACH, N.Y. (AP) -- Two New York Jets players and a former teammate arrested after a bar fight in Long Island face disciplinary action by the NFL.

The players were arraigned today in Long Beach City Court and remained free on bail, the Nassau County district attorney's office said.

They were scheduled to appear before Nassau County Judge Joseph Calabrese on July 26.

John 'Jumbo' Elliott, 34, and Jason Fabini, 24, of the Jets and Matt O'Dwyer, 26, of the Cincinnati Bengals were drinking at Bogart's Bar and Restaurant in Long Beach about 12:30 a.m. Saturday when they began acting up, police said. It took 31 officers to subdue the 300-pound football players, police said.

Elliott, a left tackle, was charged with misdemeanor assault, harassment and public lewdness. Police said he triggered the brawl by urinating in a sink in the women's bathroom in the bar and then punching two patrons, a woman and a male volunteer firefighter.

Fabini, one of the Jets' top rookies last year, was charged with disorderly conduct.

O'Dwyer, who signed a two-year, $2.7 million contract with Cincinnati three weeks ago, faces the most serious charges: felony assault, harassment and criminal mischief. Police said he kicked out the window of a patrol car, sending shattered glass into the faces of two officers.

The officers were treated for scratches to their corneas.

The players could be ordered to get counseling and could face fines or suspensions if found guilty, NFL officials said. NFL rules say that players charged with crimes involving violence or alcohol can be ordered to enroll in anger management programs and alcohol counseling.

The players posted cash bail - Fabini $100, Elliott $10,000 and O'Dwyer $50,000.

Elliott pleaded guilty last year to driving while impaired. He was fined $350, his driver's license was suspended for 90 days, and he had to undergo counseling.

NFL officials refused to comment on the arrests. Officials for the Jets and Bengals said the players were expected at training camps later this month.

 

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