UPDATE | Bengals’ Pacman Jones jailed over Cincinnati confrontation

CINCINNATI (AP) — Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones was jailed Tuesday on four charges including a felony charge that he spit on a nurse after being arrested in downtown Cincinnati, the NFL star’s latest brush with the law.

A lawyer representing Jones at his initial court appearance told a judge he “vehemently denies” allegations against him. The Hamilton County judge set bond at $37,500 for Jones and ordered that he submit to a blood test.

The Hamilton County sheriff’s office said Jones would remain jailed until the blood test can be performed Wednesday morning. Sheriff Jim Neil said Jones was “disorderly and combative” throughout his booking just after midnight Tuesday morning and had to be put in a restraint chair.

“Whether someone is a professional athlete, a blue collar worker or homeless, our staff will treat them with respect and we expect the same,” Neil said in a statement. “Regardless of who they are, if they endanger my deputies, our medical staff or themselves, we will take action.“

Court records show Jones, who has a history of trouble with the law during his NFL career, is accused of pushing and poking a man in the eye, then struggling with Cincinnati police officers by head-butting, kicking and refusing to get into the police car. He then allegedly spit on a female nurse’s hand while being booked into the jail.

The alleged spitting, following his arrest on misdemeanor charges of assault, disorderly conduct and obstructing official business, resulted in a felony count of harassment with a bodily substance.

A prosecutor said the case began when Jones was pounding on doors at the Millennium Hotel, which is near the Bengals’ Paul Brown Stadium. He then allegedly pushed and poked a security guard.

Public Defender Lauren Staley said he “vehemently denies” that he assaulted anyone, and will hire an attorney to contest the charges.

She said Jones, who stood next to her in court nodding in agreement, has witnesses for his defense and had waited for police to arrive to explain what happened.

“They essentially didn’t hear his side of the story before placing him under arrest,” Staley said.

Bengals spokesman Jack Brennan said the club is aware of the incident, but by policy, doesn’t comment on unresolved legal matters.

Jones will be subject to potential NFL discipline after the case is resolved. Jones’ agent didn’t respond immediately to a request for comment.