Orlando Predators coach Rob Keefe was arrested and charged with misdemeanor battery Sunday, according to Orange County court and jail records.
Keefe’s arrest was in connection with a domestic violence incident. The 34-year-old was booked at the Orange County Jail at 2:29 p.m.
The arrest affidavit released by the Orange County Corrections Department on Monday said Keefe “spit and grabbed his girlfriend … by the neck and waist area with both hands without her permission during an argument.”
According to the report, his girlfriend called 911 from her car and told police she had been strangled by her boyfriend, that he “spit in her face and then grabbed her neck, pushing her against the door” after an argument about “stupid stuff” escalated.
“He then grabbed under her breast area with both arms, lifting her up,” it states, adding the couple has been living together for more than a year of their three-year relationship.
Keefe told officers that he did not touch his girlfriend. He is scheduled for arraignment this afternoon.
Hardin refused medical attention, but redness was observed under her neck and chin area. She told officers that she did not want to press charges.
The Predators released the following statement in response to the arrrest:
“On Sunday evening, we were contacted by the girlfriend of Head Coach Rob Keefe, who informed us of a domestic dispute which occurred between them on Sunday afternoon. She has assured us this was an isolated incident. However, we are still investigating the facts. As an organization, we take domestic violence matters very seriously and are working to ensure this issue is fully and appropriately resolved.”
Keefe, who was hired by the Orlando franchise in December 2013, led the Predators to an 11-7 record last season. He has a 33-19 Arena Football League career record in three seasons, previously leading the Spokane Shock to an ArenaBowl title.