Falcons' Boley charged with battery against wife

5/5/2008 11:44 AM

By CHARLES ODUM
AP Sports Writer

ATLANTA (AP) -Atlanta Falcons linebacker Michael Boley was charged with battery after his wife accused him of becoming ``physical'' after an argument.

Boley, 25, was arrested Saturday at his Dacula home and released on $1,200 bond for the misdemeanor.

The Gwinnett County Police Department issued a release but not a full report Monday, saying officers were called to the home following a verbal argument between Boley and his wife, Chantelle.

According to police, Chantelle Boley said Michael Boley ``became physical with her'' during the argument.

The arrest of a prominent player is news the Falcons were hoping to avoid as they attempt to move past the Michael Vick era with a new coach, Mike Smith, and new general manager, Thomas Dimitroff.

``The Falcons organization is aware of the situation and will have no comment at this time,'' Falcons spokesman Reggie Roberts said.

Vick, the team's former star quarterback, is serving a 23-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to federal charges in a dogfighting operation.

Boley set career highs with three sacks, two interceptions, three forced fumbles and seven pass breakups last year. Entering his fourth season with the Falcons, he was ranked second on the team with 125 tackles in 2007.

Boley is expected to participate in the Falcons' mandatory three-day minicamp that starts Saturday.