NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A former casino owner and his two sons were arrested on battery charges after a shouting match with Popeye's Famous Fried Chicken founder Al Copeland degenerated into a brawl.

Robert Guidry, 55, and Copeland have been rivals since at least 1993 when they competed for a riverboat gambling license that Guidry won. Guidry, who later sold his interest for $76 million, testified in 2000 that he bribed ex-Gov. Edwin Edwards for the license.

On Saturday, patrons at the upscale Morton's Steak House told police Guidry and Copeland were seated nearby, shouting insults at each other when their verbal sparring turned into a punch-up.

Witnesses said Guidry threw the first punch, police spokesman Joe Narcisse said. Copeland's wife, Jennifer, who is about six months pregnant, was knocked to the ground and complained of early contractions.

The Copelands, who were celebrating their first wedding anniversary, were hospitalized overnight and released Sunday. Al Copeland, who is in his late 50s, was treated for bruises and lacerations to his face and hands, while Jennifer, his fourth wife, was hospitalized for observation.

"I was surrounded and attacked from all sides," Copeland said in a statement. "One of the men was holding me as the others were throwing punches."

But Guidry's lawyer on Sunday said Copeland was to blame for the melee.

"My understanding is that Copeland was the aggressor but I wasn't there," Guidry's attorney, Arthur "Buddy" Lemann.

Guidry and his two sons, Shane Guidry, 31, and Chad Guidry, 30, were each charged with two counts of battery and released Sunday. Police did not file charges against Copeland, and said the investigation was continuing.

Guidry's lawyer said the fight was likely sparked by the ongoing battle the men have waged over a license to run the Treasure Chest Casino.

In 2000, Guidry testified in a gambling corruption trial that he paid off Edwards in exchange for his casino license. Guidry pleaded guilty and received a five-year probation sentence.

Copeland filed suit once Guidry pleaded guilty, arguing the casino license should be revoked because it was obtained by corrupt means.

The chicken magnate also sued Guidry for lost profits but that case was dismissed and is being appealed, Lemann said.

Copeland's attorney, Bryan White, said it was too early to say whether the scuffle would lead to another lawsuit.

It is also not clear whether Guidry's arrest will prove a serious enough probation violation to land him to federal prison.

"We're certainly going to report this to his probation officer and it's up to the officer," Lemann said.