Ex-NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf arrested on domestic charge

Matt Kelley

Ex-NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf arrested on domestic charge image

Former NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf was arrested Friday in Palm Desert, Calif., about 110 miles southeast of Los Angeles, and charged with misdemeanor domestic battery.

Leaf, 44, was taken to Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility and later released after he posted a $5,000 bond, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department’s online records.

His next court date is set for Sept. 25. 

BIGGEST DRAFT BUSTS: Leaf on SN's list

Leaf was third in Heisman Trophy voting in 1997 after throwing 34 touchdown passes for Washington State and leading the Cougars to a Rose Bowl appearance. He was selected second overall in the 1998 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers, one pick after the Colts picked Peyton Manning.  

Leaf’s rookie season with the Chargers was a disaster. The Great Falls, Mont. native threw just two touchdowns to 15 interceptions in nine starts.

In 1999, Leaf underwent shoulder surgery and was suspended four games after a profanity-laced tirade directed at then-general manager Bobby Beathard.  

He played just 21 games for San Diego before bounding between the Buccaneers, Cowboys and Seahawks.  

Leaf’s career ended with just 25 NFL games played. He threw 14 touchdowns and 36 interceptions.

He went to prison in 2012 for violating his Texas probation by breaking into a home in Montana to steal prescription drugs.  

Last summer, Leaf began working for ESPN as a college football analyst. He has also worked for the Pac-12 Network.

Matt Kelley