Ex-Eagle Douglas Pleads No Contest In Assault Case, Avoids Jail
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) -- Former pro football player Hugh Douglas has pleaded no contest and avoided jail in a Connecticut case alleging he assaulted his girlfriend at a Hartford hotel.
The former defensive end for the New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles and Jacksonville Jaguars pleaded no contest Monday in Hartford Superior Court to a misdemeanor breach of peace charge.
He received a suspended sentence of six months in prison. He had been charged with felony assault and strangulation.
Police allege the 42-year-old Douglas grabbed his girlfriend by the neck and slammed her against the hotel walls last September.
A defense lawyer said the girlfriend changed her story. A prosecutor said it was a difficult case because it came down to Douglas' word against his girlfriend's.
Douglas, who lives in Bryn Mawr, Pa., played in the NFL from 1995 to 2004.
(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
