Jets’ Justin Miller arrested after nightclub fight

NEW YORK (AP) — New York Jets kick-return specialist Justin Miller was arrested early Sunday and charged with third-degree assault after a fight at a New York City nightclub.

“I want to apologize to everyone for this situation, including my family, my teammates, the Jets organization, our fans and the entire NFL,” the cornerback said in a statement released by the team Sunday night.

“I understand that serving in the NFL is an honor and that I have an obligation to behave in a manner that reflects the privilege I have been given.”

ESPN.com reported Sunday night that the 23-year-old Pro Bowl kick-return man was arrested after allegedly punching a woman in a nightclub. He was apprehended following a police chase at 4:20 a.m. According to the report, police said Miller swung at a man, but hit the woman when the man ducked out of the way.

In light of the NFL’s new conduct policy, the Jets have already notified the commissioner’s office of the situation.

“We expect our players to adhere to the highest standards of conduct off the field and take any allegation of personal misconduct very seriously,” the team said in a statement. “Until we’ve had an opportunity to review all the facts, we will refrain from further comment.”

This is not Miller’s first brush with the law. He was considered a potential first-round pick in 2005, but his stock fell when he was arrested for disorderly conduct a week before the draft. The Jets selected him out of Clemson in the second round with the 57th pick.