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Former University of Wisconsin star running back Montee Ball was arrested by Madison police early Friday after he allegedly pushed his girlfriend into a table at a Downtown hotel.

Ball, 25, was taken to the Dane County Jail on a tentative charge of substantial battery.

Police were called at about 3:40 a.m. Friday to the Hampton Hotel and Suites, 440 W. Johnson St.

“The woman told police she had a dispute with her boyfriend,” said police spokesman Joel DeSpain. “She said he put his hands on her, picked her up and threw her.”

She told police she hit a table, resulting in a cut to her leg, which needed stitches.

Police found Ball outside the hotel and he “was very cooperative,” DeSpain said.

Ball was scheduled for a bail hearing on Monday, so he will remain in jail over the weekend.

On Sunday, his former NFL team, the Denver Broncos, will play in the Super Bowl. After being drafted by Denver in the second round in 2013 and rushing for 731 yards and no touchdowns in two seasons, Ball was cut before this season. He signed to New England’s practice squad in December but didn’t make the active roster.

His time as a pro followed a standout career with the Badgers in which he rushed for more than 5,000 yards and 77 touchdowns. He was a consensus All-American in 2011 and 2012 and is the program’s No. 2 all-time leading rusher and set an NCAA record for touchdowns.

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