Dillon runs into more trouble with law

Corey Dillon, a Pro Bowl running back with the Cincinnati Bengals, was arrested Saturday in Federal Way for allegedly hitting his wife.

The 25-year-old former University of Washington star was arrested at about 1:30 p.m. outside his home in the 1300 block of Southwest 353rd Street, said Officer Mark Harreus of the Federal Way Police Department.

Dillon allegedly hit his 23-year-old wife during an argument in a car while she was driving near the couple's home, Harreus said. She called police after they returned home.

When officers arrived, they found Dillon's wife in front of the house, bleeding from the mouth. Dillon was in the driveway, police said.

He was arrested for investigation of fourth-degree assault, a gross misdemeanor.

After posting $1,000 bail, Dillon was released Saturday evening from the Regional Justice Center in Kent. It is not known whether Dillon has been charged, but, if convicted, he could face as much as a year in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Dillon missed practice in Cincinnati yesterday and had not told the team about his arrest. Players were off Saturday and Sunday, and Dillon had told the team he would be late returning.

"He had called and his agent had called, but the information they relayed was not consistent with what I'm hearing," Bengal General Manager Mike Brown said from his home in Cincinnati last night. "I just heard the report (about the arrest) minutes ago. I have nothing to say concerning that until I know about it."

Dillon has been arrested twice while with the Bengals.

He was arrested in March 1998 in Seattle for investigation of drunken driving. He was later charged with driving under the influence, negligent driving and driving with a suspended license. In June 1998, he pleaded guilty to lesser charges of negligent driving and driving with a suspended license.

As a pro, Dillon has rushed for 3,459 yards in three seasons with the Bengals. He is the 11th running back in NFL history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in each of his first three years.

Dillon, a graduate of Franklin High School, earned all-state honors in football. He played one season for the Huskies and set several school season records, including rushing yards (1,555) and touchdowns (23).

He recently reached an agreement with the Bengals on a one-year, $3 million contract. Dillon received at least a $700,000 signing bonus and will receive another $300,000 at midseason.

In his second exhibition game last Friday in Cincinnati, Dillon rushed six times for 45 yards in a 21-13 loss to Detroit. The Bengals have a first-week bye and open their season Sept. 10 against the Cleveland Browns.

When Dillon was 15, he was arrested for selling crack cocaine to a police officer. He pleaded guilty.

He has recently run an annual camp in Seattle, where he gives advice to aspiring football players.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.