THE SIDELINES : Police Excuse Ex-Raider Hawkins

Both police and former Raiders running back Frank Hawkins are calling an altercation outside a convenience store owned by Hawkins a misunderstanding.

Hawkins was cited on misdemeanor charges of resisting and obstructing a police officer after police said he threw a female officer to the ground in the incident.

Police Lt. Gary Rainey said Hawkins was released with a citation after police responding to the scene recognized him.

“Frank is a good guy,” Rainey said. “It was just a misunderstanding.”

Rainey said two officers were handling a family dispute when Officer Sandie Forest spotted Hawkins chasing a man outside his store. Hawkins, who was chasing a suspected shoplifter, was upset that Forest stopped him and the man got away.

Rainey said Forest yelled at Hawkins to come over and Hawkins said he was going back in his store. The officer walked up behind Hawkins and grabbed him, and the former football player flipped her over his shoulder.