WDSU in New Orleans is reporting former LSU center Elliott Porter was arrested after he threatened his girlfriend in New Orleans the night after the Tigers’ bowl loss against Notre Dame.
According to the television station’s report, Porter threatened the woman and their young child on Dec. 31 after the couple had broken up. The station’s report does not explicitly state what Porter was charged with or the agency that arrested him.
Porter’s attorney Robert Jenkins told the station Porter was out of town when the alleged incident occured and his client’s NFL prospects may blow this case out of proportion.
“I understand because it’s high profile and he may be going to the NFL this looks like one of those domestic cases, but it really isn’t,” Jenkins told the station.
“It’s my word against your word that the incident took place,” Jenkins added. “There is no independent proof. Because these guys are high-profile, it’s looking like athletes are not getting the benefit of due process.”
The victim’s attorney, Tracie Washington, provided the television station with a written statement.
“The situation is unfortunate and reminds us all to be diligent in our observation of the young women in our lives,” Washington’s statement said, according to WDSU. “We should all become familiar with the tell-tale signs of partner abuse and/or domestic violence, and then act quickly to insure the safety of the abused partner, especially our young women who are so vulnerable.”
Porter started 12 games in 2013, but was suspended at the beginning of the 2014 season for some unresolved summer work pay issues, not seeing action in the Tigers’ first two games.
He started the next nine contests, but did not see action in the final two games of the season after an ankle injury sidelined him.