The Falcons roster took another hit this weekend, as linebacker Michael Boley was reportedly arrested and charged with battery Saturday. The 25-year-old football player was released on $1,200 bond, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
Boley, a 2005 fifth-round NFL draft pick, has been considered a key part of rebuilding the Falcons franchise, which is still shaken from the imprisonment of star quarterback Michael Vick.
"The Falcons organization is aware of the situation and will have no comment at this time," said
Falcons vice president of football communications Reggie Roberts. As of press time, no further details of the arrest were available.
With 110 tackles last season, Dacula, GA resident Boley was among the team's bright spots and is, according to some, the Falcons' best player. He signed a one-year contract for just over $2 million with the team last month, although a longer-term contract is reportedly in negotiations.
Boley has made a name for himself as an emerging star in the NFL and has grown in popularity among Falcons fans. In addition to his reputation on the field, Boley has gained admiration for actively caring for his autistic son and being a spokesman for the disorder.
Quarterback Michael Vick is serving a 23-month sentence at Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary Camp on federal charges related to dogfighting. The Falcons have stressed the importance of character and public image since the Vick fiasco, which was compounded by a disappointing 4-12 season and the sudden, mid-season resignation of coach Bobby Perrino.
