Phillips Charged With Battery

Running back Lawrence Phillips has been charged with battery after a woman accused him of turning violent in June when she refused to dance with him.

The case is the latest in a series of legal problems for Phillips. If convicted, he could be sentenced to up to one year in jail.

Phillips, who was released by the Miami Dolphins on July 25, faces a first-degree misdemeanor battery charge. Michelle Black of West Palm Beach says the 220-pound player struck her at a nightclub June 27.

Phillips was a leading Heisman Trophy contender as a junior at Nebraska until his suspension two games into the 1995 season. He pleaded no contest to assaulting a former girlfriend. He was reinstated for the Fiesta Bowl and gave up his senior season to join the NFL.

© 1998 SportsLine USA, Inc. All rights reserved