Colts’ D’Qwell Jackson allegedly punches pizza man over parking space

Indianapolis Colts linebacker D’Qwell Jackson was arrested on suspicion of assault following an argument over a parking space in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, authorities said.

According to a police report, a man claimed Jackson punched him in the face and head during a dispute over a parking spot. WJLA-TV in Washington reported the alleged victim was a 31-year-old pizza delivery driver.

The driver claimed he told Jackson that he was only going to use the space for a brief time before Jackson told him to get out of his space. Jackson then punched him, the man said. Jackson was arrested on a misdemeanor simple assault charge.

Jackson, who was a first-time Pro Bowler this season, played for the University of Maryland before being drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2006. He recorded 82 tackles and four sacks for the Colts this season.

Jackson denied a report that he was involved in tipping off the Colts about the use of underinflated balls by the New England Patriots during the AFC championship game on Jan. 18. The NFL is continuing to investigate the Patriots’ role in the so-called Deflategate controversy.

“I wouldn’t know how that could even be an advantage or a disadvantage,” Jackson told NFL.com last month. “I definitely wouldn’t be able to tell if one ball had less pressure than another.”

Times staff writer Kurtis Lee contributed to this report.