Louisiana-Monroe player, girlfriend arrested on domestic abuse charges

Louisiana-Monroe football player Kerry Starks and his girlfriend were arrested on domestic abuse charges following an altercation early Sunday morning, according to Adam Hunsucker of the Monroe News Star.

Per Hunsucker, Starks "grabbed Abriona Kirt, 26, by the throat with both hands and attempted to drag her out of Hammers nightclub in Monroe by the hair." Hunsucker also reports that Starks "allegedly caused an estimated $400 in property damage by punching out the rear windshield of Kirt’s vehicle with both hands."

Kirt was also arrested after police say she pepper-sprayed Starks in the back of the head after he had been placed in handcuffs. The report states that both Starks and Kirt appeared to be intoxicated. The couple has been together for more than two years and has a 15-month-old son together.

Starks was arrested for domestic abuse battery and simple criminal damage to property, and Kirt faces one charge of domestic abuse battery. A spokesperson for ULM said the school is “aware of the serious nature of the charges, and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken,” per Hunsucker.

Starks is a defensive end who played in 20 total games between his freshman and sophomore seasons. He recorded four sacks and 10 tackles for loss this past season for the Warhawks.