Tampa Bay safety Jermaine Phillips accused of choking wife, charged with domestic battery

Bucs’ safety Phillips accused of choking wife

TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa Bay safety Jermaine Phillips has been charged with trying to choke his wife during an argument.

According to Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office press release, Phillips was charged with domestic battery by strangulation. Jail records indicated he is scheduled to be released on his own recognizance Monday.

Authorities say Phillips’ wife called 911 Sunday and said her husband had grabbed her around the neck. She said the couple argued after she confronted him about a number in his cell phone.

The Buccaneers said in a statement that the team was closely monitoring the situation.

Public defender Julianne Holt said a lawyer from her office appeared in court Monday for Phillips, but he is expected to retain a private attorney for future proceedings.