Former Miami Dolphins wide receiver Mark Duper was arrested Wednesday for allegedly beating up his 17-year-old son in a violent fight at their home Tuesday night.
According to The Miami Herald, Duper is accused of punching, choking, and body-slamming his son, leaving the teen unconscious.
The Herald says Duper and his son got into an argument while the teen was playing video games. The Florida Times-Union, which has interesting quotes from a witness who was in the home, says Duper was trying to discuss a threatening text message his son sent to a girlfriend. Duper’s son reportedly felt he hadn’t done anything wrong, which may have upset his father. Duper wanted his son to pick up his hat and allegedly punched him when he didn’t. He allegedly proceeded to bodyslam his son multiple times, knocking the boy out at one point. Things reportedly calmed down but heated up again, and Duper supposedly punched his son in the head.
The Times-Union says Duper ordered his son to leave the home, and the boy did. But they went at it again after the boy returned to get a jacket. The fighting continued after Duper’s son threw his bicycle into his father’s car outside, leading to another fight in which Duper allegedly choked his son.
What’s interesting is that the witness says Duper was defending himself from his defiant son. If he was defending himself, then it sure seems like he may have gone a tad overboard.
An arrest was made Wednesday after the minor was found with injuries on his body.
Duper was released on $5,000 bail Thursday, per the Times-Union. The Herald points out that Duper has been involved in two other violent incidents in the past 11 years.
Duper’s pro career spanned from 1982-1992, all spent with the Miami Dolphins. He had 511 catches, 8,869 yards, 59 touchdowns, and made three Pro Bowls.
