National Football League

Report: Brock explains arrest over tab

Published Jun. 21, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

NFL free agent Raheem Brock, who was arrested in Philadelphia last week after he allegedly walked out on a $27 restaurant bill, attempted to clear the air Tuesday, saying the incident was a misunderstanding.

The 33-year-old defensive end told TMZ that he sat down at the city's Copacabana restaurant to order with his cousin and a female friend, however the friend decided she wanted to buy food at a different eatery.

They left the cousin sitting inside the Copacabana and returned with food from a different establishment, only to be told they could not bring it inside. At that point Brock said they cancelled their order and went to leave.

Brock, who most recently played for the Seattle Seahawks, said he offered to pay the restaurant $40 but the manager refused to accept payment. According to reports, a minor scuffle broke out before police arrived and Brock was placed under arrest.

He was charged on suspicion of theft of services and resisting arrest. His female companion was also charged with theft.

"While I was in 'cuffs, I explained to the manager that I own restaurants ... and if there's a policy about paying for food that hasn't come out ... then it should have been explained to us before we left," Brock told TMZ.

Both Brock and his female friend were released early Friday morning without posting bail.

The Philadelphia native and former Temple University standout, who was drafted by the Eagles in the seventh round of the 2002 NFL Draft, was home to participate in a football camp for high school juniors and seniors.