A couple of well-known figures recently made headlines after their arrests in our state. In separate cases, University of Tennessee defensive lineman Darel Middleton and Mikaela Spielberg (director Steven Spielberg’s daughter) have both been charged with domestic assault.
Middleton was charged with domestic assault and public intoxication after an altercation in which his girlfriend was reportedly twice pushed to the ground. Spielberg, 23, was arrested on a charge of domestic assault causing bodily injury after an argument with her boyfriend.
According to news reports, both incidents occurred after the couples were drinking.
In Spielberg’s case, she reportedly began throwing objects at her boyfriend after he made a rude remark following their visit to a Nashville bar.
In Middleton’s case, he was reportedly “unsteady on his feet and unable to keep his balance” when police responded to a call about an altercation. A witness told police that the football player was upset over his girlfriend’s interactions with a male friend. Both she and the witness said the lineman then got into a fight with one of his own friends.
He reportedly shoved his girlfriend when she tried to get the friends to stop fighting. He later apologized to her and hugged her, a news report stated.
It is not yet clear if his arrest will affect the Tennessee native’s collegiate football career. He appeared in all 13 games last season and was being counted on to be a major contributor in his senior campaign.
Those facing domestic violence charges should contact a Chattanooga attorney experienced in criminal defense.
