GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Two men have been arrested on assault charges after fighting in the stands during Sunday’s game between the Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers.
Glendale police Sgt. Jay O’Neill said officers helped stadium security personnel who responded to two separate brawls in adjoining upper deck sections of University of Phoenix Stadium.
Video posted in social media showed several 49ers and Cardinals fans exchanging shoves and then punches.
A pile of people then tumbled a few feet down concrete stairs, leaving one man with a cut to his head.
O’Neill said 31-year-old Philip Martinez of Calimesa, California, was arrested for assault along with 37-year-old Daniel Mayerhofer of Surprise, Arizona.
One person identified as a victim was contacted by police while leaving the stadium but declined to press charges, O’Neill said.
He said several people were ejected following the fight around halftime of the game, which Arizona won 23-14.
By the end of the game, O’Neill said six people had been arrested and 39 others ejected from the stadium.
Cardinals defensive end Darnell Dockett said he saw the video of the fight and tweeted support for a fan shown throwing punches while wearing a black #90 replica jersey.
“Who was the guy in the Dockett jersey in the brawl at the Cardinals game? Contact me I have some tickets for you,” Dockett tweeted.
Home of 49ers lineman Ray McDonald burglarized: SAN JOSE (AP) — Authorities say they are investigating a weekend burglary at the home of San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Ray McDonald.
Police Sgt. Heather Randol said Monday that someone broke into McDonald’s San Jose home and stole several personal items late Saturday night. No arrests have been made.
McDonald was in Arizona last weekend preparing for the 49ers’ game against the Cardinals. The Cardinals beat the 49ers 23-14 Sunday.
McDonald is still waiting to hear from Santa Clara County prosecutors on whether he will face any charges in connection with his arrest on suspicion of domestic violence at his home on Aug. 31. McDonald lives at the address with his fiancee.
Several prominent politicians in California have called on the team to bench McDonald because of the allegations.
Owner: ‘No misinformation’ by Ravens on Rice: OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti has criticized a report that suggests he and other team officials tried to persuade the NFL to be lenient on Ray Rice after the running back was arrested for knocking out his then-fiancee in an Atlantic City elevator.)
Bisciotti spoke Monday after ESPN reported last week that the owner, president Dick Cass and general manager Ozzie Newsome pushed Commissioner Roger Goodell for leniency for their star running back.
Bisciotti says, “Their accusations didn’t jibe with what we know is fact.”
The owner also said, “What’s obvious is the majority of the sources work for Ray. ... They are building a case for reinstatement.”
Rice was originally suspended two-games, but after a video surfaced on Sept. 8 showing the violent attack, he was released by the team and suspended indefinitely by the league.
