Chargers Thomas Keiser arrested Sunday for alleged assault & battery

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY SportsSan Diego,CA- Michael Gehlken of The San Diego Union-Tribune is reporting that San Diego Chargers Linebacker Thomas Keiser was arrested Sunday night on suspicion of assault and battery. Keiser was arrested on a misdemeanor battery charge that occurred at at Barley Mash on Fifth Avenue near Market Street in the Gaslamp Quarter.

Michael Gehlken of The San Diego Union-Tribune is reporting that

"Keiser and another man had an altercation that turned into a fight, and police were called, Officer Jim Johnson said.The other man had minor injuries and refused treatment from medics, Johnson said. He had no other details about the incident, which is still under investigation."

According to the Union-Tribune Keiser’s posted bail at $8,000 last night.

The Chargers released a statement regarding the incident, stating

"“We’re aware of the issue involving Thomas,” the Chargers said Monday night in a statement. “We’ll continue to monitor the situation and let the legal process run its course.”"

Kiser’s arrest followed the Chargers’ come form behind overtime victory over Kansas City Chiefs 27-24 to clinch the AFC’s final wild-card playoff spot.

Keiser, 24, went undrafted in 2011 out of Stanford. He spent the past few season’s with the Carolina Panthers before signing with the Chargers last offseason. Keiser is signed under contract through the 2014 season.

Keiser started the season on the practice squad and was promoted to the 53-man roster in October, following injuries to Melvin Ingram, Jarrett Johnson, Donald Butler and Dwight Freeney. Since being called up to the active roster Keiser has started three games and appeared in 12 games. Keiser has 17 tackles, 4.5 sacks and one interception on the season. Keiser has been a vital part of the Chargers defense this season and a key to their turnaround in the second half of the season as a situational pass rusher as evidenced by his 4.5 sacks, which are tied for the team lead and on special teams.

The Chargers head to Cincinnati for their first playoff game since 2009 against the Bengals and Keiser is expected to play.