Cleveland Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins was arrested on a domestic violence and battery charge in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Saturday, according to the Fort Lauderdale Police Department and Broward County arrest records.
The 21-year-old Judkins had his initial court appearance Sunday morning, and his bond was set at $2,500. The charge is described as “touch or strike/battery/domestic violence,” according to the arrest records. The charge is a misdemeanor, Fort Lauderdale Police Sgt. David Soika told ESPN.
The judge at the bond hearing found probable cause, and ordered that Judkins have no contact with the woman who is accusing him and that he is not allowed to have access to firearms. Judkins left the Broward County Jail on Sunday afternoon.
Soika said officers responded to a residence at approximately 9 a.m. ET Saturday on a delayed battery complaint and determined that battery had occurred, after which they contacted Judkins and took him into custody.
According to the arrest report, the alleged incident happened last Monday but wasn’t reported until Saturday. Per the arrest report, Judkins, after showing frustration following reading text messages from his family, allegedly punched the woman with a closed fist in the chin/lip area while driving in a vehicle departing from Fort Lauderdale International Airport. Judkins then later allegedly also struck her in the left arm and thigh. The woman showed officers photographs showing bruising from the alleged assault.
Asked why she waited to report the alleged assault, the woman said, “she felt bad due to the recent success and career of the defendant.” However, after speaking with family and friends she contacted police, realizing “something needed to be done.” The woman said she and Judkins were currently in a romantic relationship after rekindling their relationship in June 2025.
Judkins, meanwhile, invoked his Miranda rights when asked questions with officers, per the arrest report. His attorney, David Weinstein, told the judge during the hearing that “I think the state’s overstating the facts” and said it appeared the woman had been “encouraged to take advantage of my client.”
The Browns said they are “aware and gathering more details,” according to a team spokesperson. The NFL is “aware of the matter but will decline further comment,” a league official told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Cleveland selected Judkins, a former Ole Miss and Ohio State standout, with the No. 36 pick in the 2025 draft. He is the lone member of the Browns’ seven-player draft who has not signed his rookie contract.
Browns rookies report for training camp Friday.
The Associated Press and Field Level Media contributed to this report.
