Hawks' Bernard arrested, accused of domestic violence

Seahawks defensive tackle Rocky Bernard spent all day and night in jail after being arrested early Monday morning for investigation of domestic violence, Seattle police confirmed.

According to the city attorney's office, Bernard will have an intake hearing at 10 a.m. today, but has not had a date set for his first court appearance. Bernard was being held without bail.

According to the police report, the victim — an ex-girlfriend of Bernard's who is also the mother of his child — was with a friend at the Ibiza Dinner Club on Second Avenue in Seattle early Monday morning, when she saw Bernard arguing with another woman.

"The suspect [Bernard] walked toward the victim and punched her one time with a closed fist, striking her forehead, causing her forehead to hit a glass divider," an officer wrote in the report.

The victim and her friend were concerned for their safety, so they left the club and went to a friend's car and closed the doors, the police report said. Bernard was banging on the car windows as they drove away, police said.

The victim and her friend drove to a safe location from which they called police.

The victim complained of head pain and was treated at the scene by medics, but declined to be taken to the hospital, according to the report.

Bernard was booked into King County Jail shortly after 3 a.m. Monday on investigation of domestic violence assault.

The Seahawks veteran, who turned 29 on Saturday, was celebrating his birthday at the club. Ibiza has hosted parties for athletes in the past.

The team offered no comment other than to say that it is aware of the situation and is monitoring it. Attorney Jon Scott Fox, who has represented other Seahawks in the past with legal matters, is representing Bernard.

Fox said he expects Bernard to be released on his own recognizance after this morning's hearing.

Bernard is entering the final season of a three-year, $13 million contract extension he signed in 2006. The Baytown, Texas, native is the longest-tenured defensive starter on the roster with six seasons in Seattle.

He has appeared in 88 regular-season games since his rookie season of 2002, and has 25 career sacks.