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Jacksonville, Fla. • Former Miami Dolphins wide receiver Mark Duper was released from jail Thursday, charged after police say he beat his 17-year-old son during a series of fights at their Jacksonville home.
Duper, who starred for the Dolphins from 1982 to 1992, spent a night in jail after his arrest Wednesday on one count of felony child abuse. He was released Thursday afternoon after posting a $5,000 bail, police in Jacksonville said. Authorities say Duper attacked his son, Marcus, three times and knocked him out twice.
Messages left on Duper's cellphone by The Associated Press were not returned Thursday. He told The Miami Herald that the fight was "a family matter."
"This is not an open book. I have to deal with this within my family," he was quoted by the newspaper as saying.
Duper caught 511 passes for 8,869 yards and 59 touchdowns in his 11-year career with the Dolphins. Duper, who legally changed his name to Mark Super Duper, was named to three Pro Bowls and was a two-time All-Pro selection. He is a member of the Dolphins Honor Roll.
Former Dolphins defensive end Hugh Green told The Associated Press by telephone that he witnessed the brawls. He said Marcus Duper started the fights, thinking he could "beat his father." Green and his 18-year-old son had stopped to visit Duper and his son after attending a charity golf outing in Miami earlier in the week.
"I saw Mark defending himself after a young son was defiant," Green said.
Around the league
Bills • The team's 10-year, $271 million lease agreement has received unanimous approval from Erie County lawmakers. The vote, taken Thursday, comes days after NFL owners approved the terms and condition of the agreement the Bills reached in December with county and New York State officials.
Cowboys • A federal grand jury in Dallas has re-indicted former NFL receiver Sam Hurd, who already is accused of trying to establish a drug-distribution network. The new indictment charges Hurd with conspiracy to possess 5 kilograms or more of cocaine with intent to distribute.