Dallas Cowboys Joseph Randle Arrested for Shoplifting

The latest NFL running back to find himself in legal trouble this season is Dallas Cowboys running back Joseph Randle.

Randle was arrested on Monday and charged with misdemeanor theft after being accused of shoplifting underwear and cologne from a Frisco, Texas mall, reports ESPN. Randle's arrest came just a day after he rushed for a season-high 52 yards in the Cowboys' win over the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.

What are the details behind Randle's arrest and what other NFL ball carriers have found themselves on the wrong side of the law in 2014?

Charged with Misdemeanor Theft

According to police, security officers at Dillard's in the Stonebriar Centre Mall were watching on closed-circuit surveillance cameras as Randle purchased an item at the store's perfume counter, then allegedly began concealing additional items which he had not purchased in the bag before exiting the store.

When confronted by security officers, Randle's bag allegedly contained a pack of men's underwear worth almost $40 and a tester bottle of Gucci Guilty Black cologne valued at more than $80. Randle was subsequently arrested by police on charges of misdemeanor theft. Under Texas law, theft of items worth more than $50 but less than $500 is considered a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up $2,000 and up to 180 days in jail.

NFL Legal Woes Continue

Although every professional sports league confronts issues of player misconduct off the field, this season has seen a seemingly inordinate number of NFL players embroiled in off-the-field issues. Just among players who play the running back position:

• Vikings running back Adrian Peterson was arrested for child abuse in September and had his bond revoked last week after allegedly admitting to smoking marijuana.
• Ravens running back Ray Rice was arrested for assaulting his fiancee at an Atlantic City casino. Video footage later released of the incident led the NFL to suspend Rice indefinitely.
• Cardinals running back Jonathan Dwyer was arrested for assaulting a woman and a child at his Phoenix home.
• Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell was cited for marijuana possession after admitting to an officer during a traffic stop that he had recently smoked marijuana and had a small amount in his possession.

Randle was released on bond early Tuesday morning. In addition to any criminal penalties, he will likely face disciplinary action from the Cowboys, which may include a possible suspension.

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Related Resources:

• Frisco police: Cowboys' Joseph Randle arrested Monday, charged with theft (Dallas Morning News)
• Due Process: What Does it Mean for NFL Discipline Issues? (FindLaw's Tarnished Twenty)
• NFL Players in Court: Aldon Smith, Greg Hardy Sentenced (FindLaw's Tarnished Twenty)
• Colts Owner Jim Irsay Pleads Guilty to Drug-Related OWI (FindLaw's Tarnished Twenty)