Former Super Bowl MVP Mark Rypien facing domestic violence charge

Former Washington Redskins quarterback Mark Rypien was arrested Sunday in Spokane, Wash., on suspicion of domestic violence, according to The Associated Press.

Rypien pleaded not guilty to a fourth-degree assault/domestic violence charge during his court appearance Monday, according to Luke Thoburn of The Spokesman-Review. His next appearance is set for later in June.

Spokane police said they responded to a third-party call and found Rypien and with his wife in a public location, according to Thoburn. A witness said Rypien's wife was complaining of stomach pains, allegedly from Rypien hitting her. Rypien was arrested on site and taken to jail. His wife did not require medical treatment.

Rypien was drafted by the Redskins in 1986 and played in the league until 2002. He was the MVP of Super Bowl XXVI and earned two Pro Bowl designations during his career.

Last year, Rypien said he believed that repeated concussions while playing in the NFL had caused him to develop chronic traumatic encephalopathy. He believes the condition has made his behavior more erratic and violent.

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