Jonathan Babineaux expressed relief Wednesday after he was cleared of a felony animal cruelty charge that could have sent the Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle to prison.
"I'm just happy the whole situation is over with," Babineaux said. "It's been a long process. I've been waiting it out and it's finally over."
Gwinnett County District Attorney Danny Porter said Wednesday he dismissed the charges following an investigation of the death of a pit bull in February.
Pat McDonough, Babineaux's attorney, said it proved Babineaux acted only in self-defense against the aggressive dog that belonged to the player's girlfriend. McDonough said Babineaux was protecting himself and his 5-month-old child.
"This was a clear case of self-defense," McDonough said. "The dog had a history of violence. ... Jonathan and his family did everything in their power to make this dog part of their family."
McDonough said the dog had been neutered, placed on Prozac, sent to a dog trainer and kept on a leash.
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