Former NFL Player Jailed on Battery Charge in Gwinnett

A former NFL player who now is a Duluth resident was jailed recently on a battery charge that grew from a domestic incident, according to authorities.

Carl Pickens of a Sugarloaf Club Drive address was booked into the Gwinnett Detention Center on Jan. 5, according to jail records. This was over an incident that happened at his residence on Dec. 7, according to Gwinnett Police.

According to the Gwinnett Police incident report, Pickens and his wife had an argument and then a physical altercation at their residence, after they had been to the movies with a friend. The argument was about why Pickens' wife's friend went to the movies with them, Pickens' wife told police.

Pickens picked up his wife and threw her onto a couch, then pinned her down by holding her neck, according to the report. When he released his grip, bruising was evident on the left side of his wife's neck.

Pickens' wife said he threw other objects, before leaving the residence. She then locked all doors leading into the house, the police report said.

Pickens played in the NFL from 1992-2000. He played collegiately at the University of Tennessee.

This information comes from Gwinnett Police and the Gwinnett Sheriff's Office. It does not indicate a conviction. Questions should be directed to duluth@patch.com.