Assault Charges Against Former Browns Player, Gambling Addict Dropped

BEDFORD, Ohio -- (Associated Press) - An Ohio judge has dismissed assault and menacing charges against former Cleveland Browns wide receiver Reggie Rucker, who police had said grabbed a man's throat and threatened to shoot him in a dispute over golf course etiquette.

Cleveland.com reports the Bedford judge dismissed the misdemeanor charges on Tuesday after Rucker completed community service and apologized to the victim.

Police say Rucker, 69, confronted the victim at the suburban Cleveland golf course in April because he felt the man's radio was too loud.

Rucker was sentenced to 21 months in prison in August in an unrelated case for stealing from two charities. His attorney has blamed that crime on a gambling addiction brought on by football-related brain injuries.

Rucker played seven of his 11 seasons in the NFL with the Browns and was also a member of the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants and New England Patriots.