Oiler Executive Arrested After Fight at Hotel

Houston Oilers General Manager Ladd Herzeg was arrested Saturday night after a fight at a wedding reception in a suburban Buffalo hotel in which the team was staying.

Herzeg was charged with misdemeanor assault in connection with the fight with James McDonald of North Tonawanda, N.Y., Cheektowaga police Sgt. Mitchell Kmiotek said.

Herzeg, whose Oilers played the Buffalo Bills Sunday, was arrested about 11:30 p.m., booked into jail and later released on $100 bail, Kmiotek said.

The Oilers claim they had a agreement with hotel management that the band at the reception would stop playing at 11 p.m. (the Oilers’ curfew the night before a game). When the band continued to play at 11:30 p.m., Herzeg left his room to complain and was involved in an altercation with McDonald. Hotel security arrested Herzeg.

Herzeg, 41, allegedly punched McDonald, the brother of the bride. McDonald suffered from bleeding and swelling of the mouth, and a bruised eye, police said.

Herzeg said through a team spokesman that he was concerned about the coaches and players getting a good night’s sleep. Herzeg is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday, Sept. 29.