THE SIDELINES : Falcons Coach Held in DUI

Falcons interim coach Jim Hanifan was arrested early today on charges of driving under the influence and simple battery of an officer. Police spokeswoman Glenda Lock said Hanifan was arrested about 4 a.m. in north Atlanta. She said he was stopped for driving without his headlights on.

“After stopping the vehicle, the officer said Mr. Hanifan was very unsteady on his feet and tested .13 on the field (blood-alcohol) test,” she said.

“He was going to be transported to the city jail, but after a wagon was called for, one of the officers was struck by Mr. Hanifan in the chest area, before he was put in the wagon.”

She said the officer was not injured, but Hanifan “received a small laceration over his left eye” and was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he was being held in the detention center.