Haynesworth Formally Charged With Assault

Redskins lineman Albert Haynesworth appeared at Fairfax County Police Saturday to be formally charged with assualt.

Haynesworth,  a defensive lineman who was suspended during the 2010 season for conduct detrimental to the team, was interviewed by officers and signed a summons release form.

The charges on the Fairfax County Parkway near Reston Hospital. Joel Velazques, a 38-year-old Leesburg man, says he made a "verbal hand gesture" at Hayneswoth, who late got out of his pickup truck at a light and punched him in the face.

Haynesworth's agent, Chad Speck, has called the charges "ridiculous." 

"This man, who actually provoked the situation himself, recognized Albert and is now simply trying to turn it into his 15 minutes of fame and get, we can only assume, some money," Speck said last week. "Albert did not assault this man and looks forward to his day in court to refute these ridiculous allegations."

Simple assault in Virginia is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in a county jail and a $2,500 fine.

Haynesworth, 29,  has a reported $115 million contract with the football team.In the fall, the Redskins suspended Haynesworth. Part of that conduct: he reportedly called in sick to practice after patrons of Reston Town Center's saw him drinking there late into the night before.

Haynesworth is scheduled to appear in the Fairfax County Criminal Court at 9:30 a.m. on March 31.