Kent Somers

The Republic | azcentral.com

Cardinals linebacker Daryl pleads guilty to assaulting ex girlfriend

Incident occurred in Ahwatukee Foothills in May

Washington is scheduled to be sentenced on April 23

Arizona Cardinals linebacker Daryl Washington pleaded guilty on Monday to aggravated assault in an Ahwatukee domestic violence incident last year involving Washington's ex-girlfriend, according to a Maricopa County Superior Court spokesman.

Washington initially pleaded not guilty in May to assault charges.

Washington faces as many as two years in prison when he is sentenced, according to a court spokesman.

Washington was arrested on suspicion of aggravated assault on May 3 when he surrendered to police at his attorney's office, police said.

Washington, 27, was suspended the first four games of last season for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. Under the NFL's conduct policy, he faces possible additional discipline for the assault. That could include a fine and a suspension.

Washington is among the more talented young linebackers in the league. A second-round draft pick out of Texas Christian by the Cardinals in 2010, he signed a new, six-year contract with the team in the summer of 2012.

Included in that deal was a $10 million bonus option to be earned earlier this month. The Cardinals, knowing of Washington's legal issues, picked up the option and are paying it in two installments, this year and next.

A Cardinals spokesman said team officials would have no comment because it is an ongoing legal matter.

Phoenix police said they began investigating Washington on May 1 after the mother of Washington's child called police saying Washington assaulted her at her apartment in Ahwatukee Foothills.

The woman told police that Washington pushed her with two hands, causing her to fall and break her collarbone, according to court documents.

The argument started during a routine visit by Washington to the apartment complex near Warner Road and 48th Street, where the woman lives with Washington's daughter, the documents said.

Washington is scheduled to be sentenced in late April, according to a court spokesman.

Washington has started 53 games in four seasons and led the team in tackles with 140 in 2012. Washington had nine sacks that season, more than any other inside linebacker in the NFL, and one short of the franchise record for a linebacker.

If Washington is suspended for a portion of a second consecutive season, the Cardinals could face a real challenge. Karlos Dansby, the other starting inside linebacker, left via free agency for Cleveland, and the team is thin at the position.

Includes information from staff reports.