Tom Haudricourt

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Milwaukee Brewers centerfielder Keon Broxton was arrested in Tampa, Fla., early Friday morning on a misdemeanor trespass charge after police said he refused to leave an area after a fight, according to a report in the Tampa Bay Times.

The report said Broxton, 26, was arrested at 3:26 a.m. by Tampa police who were dispersing a crowd after a fight in the South Howard area of the city. He was booked at 5 a.m. and remained in jail until released at 7:42 a.m. EDT on $500 bond.

Broxton, who lives in Lakeland, Fla., broke through late in the 2016 season in his fourth stint with the Brewers to become the regular centerfielder. His season ended prematurely in mid-September when he crashed into the wall at Wrigley Field while making a catch. He suffered a broken right wrist.

Broxton played in 75 games, batting .242 with a .354 on-base percentage, nine home runs, 19 RBI and 23 stolen bases. The speedy outfielder is considered the favorite to be the Brewers' starter in center in 2017.

The Tampa Bay Times report said police were responding to a Florida Highway Patrol request for backup due to an "active fight" near Howard Ave. and Platt St. in that city. According to the arrest report, Broxton was "extremely intoxicated" and had "visible injuries to his face but declined medical attention."

The police report said Broxton "declined to make any statement about the incident" and indicated he did not need their assistance. When people were asked to leave the area of closed businesses, the report said Broxton became "hostile" and was yelling derogatory comments to the officers. Broxton was warned that he was trespassing and needed to leave, and was "grabbed by one of his friends to remove him from the area."

Police spotted Broxton again three blocks from that area and again he was told he was trespassing and had to leave but continued yelling at officers, according to the arrest report. He was warned that he could face arrest if he returned to the property but he "continued to argue and then walked back on the property" and was arrested for trespass after a warning.

Broxton was placed in handcuffs and transported to a police station, where he was booked.

Brewers general manager David Stearns made this comment on Broxton's arrest: “We are aware of the news regarding Keon Broxton and are currently gathering information. We will defer further comment until we know more about the situation.”

On Friday afternoon, Broxton released this statement on his arrest: “I sincerely apologize to my family, the Brewers organization, Milwaukee Brewers fans, and also to law enforcement officials for my lack of proper judgment last night. I will learn from this incident and I will certainly make better decisions moving forward. I owe that to myself and all who have put their trust and faith in me as a person. Thank you for your support and understanding.”