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Former Detroit Lions guard Rodney Austin was found guilty today in a North Carolina court of four misdemeanor charges stemming from an April accusation of domestic violence.

@EmilioIsland

The NFL’s problem with domestic violence cases has been a ongoing issue that has left a black eye on the league.

Rodney Austin was found guilty of assault on a female, assault on a child under age 12, interference with an emergency communication and larceny. Austin could serve up to 60 days in jail but is expected to serve a much lighter sentence.

Austin’s agent said his client “maintains his innocence” but accepts the ruling and does not plan to appeal:

“We disagree with the ruling but accept the outcome,” Magazu said in a statement posted on his agency’s website and emailed to the Free Press. “We urge everyone to keep perspective – this is a misdemeanor offense, no one was injured, no one has alleged injury as a result of any alleged action, and the court did not find that anyone had been injured.

“Rodney maintains his innocence and encourages anyone interested in knowing what type of person he is to talk to people who have known him his whole life – coaches, teachers, professors and members of his community.”

According to a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department news release, Gill-Sadler said Austin, who was listed at 6-feet-4 and 330 pounds in booking records, pushed her to the floor while she was holding their infant child, then prevented her from calling 911 by damaging and taking her cell phone.

Austin was a practice players for his 3-years with the Lions and is highly unlikely to return to the team.

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