Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams was charged with misdemeanor assault Wednesday after he shoved a man to the ground on the sidelines, moments following his team's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
The assault allegation, filed in Kansas City Municipal Court, accuses Adams of pushing photographer Ryan Zebley, thereby "causing whiplash and headache" and a "possible minor concussion," according to a police report.
The incident occurred just after the final gun of Kansas City's 30-29 victory over Las Vegas at Arrowhead Stadium.
Zebley fell back onto the turf holding a bulky camera mount and other gear. He was quickly helped back to his feet by someone standing nearby.
Violation of the city ordinance could bring a fine of $250 to $1,000, up to 180 days in jail or both. But if Adams has no previous criminal record, time behind bars would be highly unlikely, a spokesman for the city prosecutor's office said.
Adams apologized but also appeared to cast some responsibility on the man he pushed. He said the man had "ran or jumped in front of me" and "I bumped into him and kind of pushed him, and he ended up on the ground."
He is scheduled to make a virtual court appearance Nov. 14, one day after the Raiders host the Indianapolis Colts.
"As he indicated, he immediately apologized, but I can't get into any further comment at this time," Adams' defense lawyer James Hobbs said Wednesday.
Monday's AFC West contest was carried by ESPN, which identified the victim as a freelancer working on its "Monday Night Football" crew.