Pro athletes arrested after fight outside Fla. nightclub

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. - Two professional athletes arrested outside of a nightclub in the South Beach section of Miami early Sunday morning have been released on bail, reports CBS Miami.

St. Louis Rams linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar and NBA free agent Donte Green are charged with battery and disorderly conduct after getting into a fight while leaving Dream nightclub around 5:20 AM, according to officials.

What started as a verbal argument turned into a physical brawl, says authorities. Both suspects were reportedly with friends and club security attempted to prevent a fight between the two groups. Security could not contain the clash and punches were thrown by both parties involved, CBS Miami reports.

Police ordered the group to stop, but the brawl ensued. Greene allegedly went behind Dunbar and started punching him in the head and neck area. Deputies threatened to use a Taser, but the fighting still did not cease, according to the station.

An officer hit Greene with the Taser, which brought a quick end to the scuffle, according to the station.

Authorities say Greene apologized for his actions, saying "I'm sorry officer but this guy [Dunbar] has been after me for years since I got into the NBA. He was beating my brother and I had to do what I did."

Dunbar claimed he acted in self-defense, the station says.

The Rams released a statement to CBS Miami saying they were aware of the incident involving Dunbar but would not comment further until the matter is resolved.