Former NFL linebacker Willie McGinest has been charged with two felonies for his alleged involvement in a Dec. 9 fight at Delilah nightclub in West Hollywood, according to TMZ.
McGinest, a three-time Super Bowl champion with the Patriots who currently serves as a studio analyst for NFL Network, is facing one count of assault with a deadly weapon, and one count of assault by means of force likely to cause great bodily injury.
The charges, both of which carry up to four years in prison, were filed in the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office this week.
McGinest’s arraignment in the case is scheduled for April.
McGinest, 51, was arrested in late December after a video, obtained by TMZ, appeared to show him and several others attacking a man at a table at Delilah.
The surveillance footage seemingly shows McGinest approach the man, who was sitting down at table, and punch him in the face.
At one point, McGinest can be seen holding a bottle, which the outlet said he used to smash over the man’s head.
In the two-and-a-half-minute video, McGinest’s entourage joined the altercation and continued beating the man until a few men in suits attempted to deescalate the situation.
McGinest and the others can be seen leaving scene shortly after.
At the time, an NFL Network spokesperson told The Post: “We are aware of the incident and the video, which is disturbing. Willie McGinest will not appear on NFL Network while we review the matter.”
McGinest has not appeared on NFL Network since the incident occurred.
In late December, McGinest issued a statement on Instagram apologizing for the incident, adding that he felt embarrassed and regretful.
“First and foremost, I want to offer my deepest apology for my lapse in judgment and behavior on December 9 at a restaurant in West Hollywood,” McGinest wrote in the post, which now appears to be deleted. “To my family, community, friends, and youth I mentor, please know I feel horrible for my actions and take full responsibility.
“To my colleagues at the NFL Network and those that I work closely with as an advisor to professional and community-based organizations, please know I am embarrassed and regret what occurred.
“Most of all, I am disappointed in myself, as I know this is an isolated incident and is not reflective of my faith, role as a father, life’s body of work, or the role model I’ve worked hard to become. It is personally devastating that decades of community service, youth engagement, mentoring, and professional development would become an afterthought in a single moment that should never have happened.
“This incident has prompted me to deep self-reflection — mind, soul, and spirit. I know that violence is never the answer to such situations, no matter how intense the provocation. Rest assured, I will take whatever steps necessary to restore the public trust, mend damaged relationships, and ensure this never happens again.”
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McGinest spent the majority of his 15-year NFL career with the Patriots, who selected him No. 4 overall in the 1994 NFL Draft out of USC.
The two-time Pro Bowler also played three seasons with the Browns from 2006-08.
McGinest totaled 86 sacks, 581 solo tackles and 16 forced fumbles in his regular-season career.
On Aug. 5, 2015, McGinest signed a one-day contract with New England during his Patriots Hall of Fame induction ceremony.