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Fred Smoot charged with assault

ASHBURN, Va. -- Ex-NFL defensive back Fred Smoot has been charged with misdemeanor domestic assault after a woman called police to say he grabbed her during a fight at a Virginia home.

The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office says Smoot was arrested Sunday in Ashburn.

Smoot played a total of seven seasons with the Washington Redskins, ending his NFL career with the team in 2009. He also played two seasons for the Minnesota Vikings.

While with the Vikings, he was convicted of disorderly conduct for his part in a 2005 boat party with teammates that police said included multiple sex acts performed in front of the boat's crew.

Smoot's lawyer, Jon Huddleston, said in a statement that the charges come from the "vindictive actions of a disgruntled ex-girlfriend" and asking for patience as the legal process plays out.