HENDRICKS COUNTY, Ind. (Scripps News Indianapolis/Court TV) — Former Indianapolis Colt and longtime local sports radio host Joe Staysniak was arrested early Tuesday morning in Hendricks County on numerous charges.
Staysniak is charged with strangulation and domestic battery stemming from an overnight confrontation with his son and his son’s boyfriend.
Joseph Staysniak (Hendricks County Sheriff’s Office)
According to court documents, the incident unfolded when a neighbor alerted Staysniak to “suspicious car” in his front yard.
A probable cause affidavit accuses Staysniak of punching both of the men, choking his son’s boyfriend and displaying a firearm.
Staysniak denied hitting his son’s boyfriend but said he did grab him by the hoodie “to get his attention.”
He also explained, as shown in court documents, that he showed the pair his gun but did not point it at them.
Staysniak’s wife broke up the confrontation as it continued.
Staysniak played for the Colts from 1992-95 as part of his seven year NFL career.
After his playing career ended, Staysniak joined sports radio in Indianapolis including hosting morning shows “The Jeff and Big Joe Show” and “Grady and Big Joe.”
This story was originally published Feb. 21 by WRTV in Indianapolis, an E.W. Scripps Company.
