An Oakland Raiders player may be facing criminal charges after a confrontation with a police dog.
Linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong is accused of taunting a K-9 before Sunday’s game in Pittsburgh.
Armstrong reportedly lifted his shirt, pounded his chest and barked at the dog in the stadium’s tunnel.
In Pennsylvania, taunting a dog is a third-degree felony and comes with up to seven years of jail time.
During an appearance on Sirius XM NFL Radio, Raiders coach Jack Del Rio said that he understood why such a charge exists but that the circumstances don’t rise to the level of a criminal act, NBC Sports reported.
“I’ve caught wind of this story. I’m going to put it in the ‘silly’ category,” Del Rio, who had not spoken to Armstrong about the possible charge, said. “I think once the facts come to light I don’t think there’s going to be much of an issue. I wouldn’t make too much of it.”
Armstrong has made no comment, NBC Sports reported.
