New York Jets linebacker Jermaine Cunningham, who spent the season on injured reserve, was arrested Dec. 29 in Summit, New Jersey, on charges that included a gun offense and spreading sexual images, according to the Union County prosecutor's office.
At 4:19 p.m. that day, Summit police responded to a domestic dispute at Cunningham's home. After an investigation, he was charged with third-degree criminal mischief, third-degree invasion of privacy, and fourth-degree unlawful weapon transport. He was processed and released without bail. A court date will be scheduled.
Police didn't provide details on the privacy charge, but New Jersey's criminal code defines a third-degree charge when a person without consent discloses sexual images of another person via a photograph, film, videotape, recording or any other reproduction.
Cunningham lived with a woman at the home until recently, according to the prosecutor's office. He also was charged with damaging or destroying clothing that belonged to the woman, which accounts for the criminal mischief charge.
In addition, police confiscated a loaded .380-caliber handgun that was found in the glove compartment of Cunningham's Audi. He consented to the search of the car, according to police.
A Jets team spokesman released the following statement: "We are aware of the situation. This is a pending legal matter and we will have no comment."
Cunningham, 26, blew out his Achilles' tendon in training camp and was placed on injured reserve. He still pocketed $398,000 from the Jets. Cunningham played two games for the Jets in 2013. The former Florida standout was a second-round pick of the New England Patriots in 2010. He played three seasons with the Patriots before being released in the 2013 training camp.
He will be an unrestricted free agent in March.
