Justin Miller, the New York Jets' cornerback and Pro Bowl kickoff returner, was arrested Sunday morning in New York City and charged with third-degree misdemeanor assault, prompting the Jets to launch their own review of the incident, which took place in the Chelsea section of Manhattan.
Miller was arraigned in the Borough of Manhattan on Sunday evening and released on his own recognizance pending a future court date.
Following his release, he issued an apology.
"I want to apologize to everyone for this situation, including my family, my teammates, the Jets organization, our fans and the entire NFL," Miller said in a statement. "I understand that serving in the NFL is an honor and that I have an obligation to behave in a manner that reflects the privilege I have been given."
Miller, 23, participated in the 2007 Pro Bowl as the AFC's kickoff return specialist. He led the NFL with a 28.3-yard average and returned two kickoffs for touchdowns. He also started four games at cornerback and recorded 53 tackles.
The Jets organization reiterated its emphasis on player conduct in a statement released Sunday evening.
"We expect our players to adhere to the highest standards of conduct off the field and take any allegation of personal misconduct very seriously," the statement read. "We are in the process of gathering information and have notified the commissioner in light of the NFL's new conduct policy. Until we've had an opportunity to review all the facts, we will refrain from further comment."
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has implemented a strict conduct policy which states: "It is not enough to simply avoid being found guilty of a crime."
