Ex-Rams kicker faces rape charges

A former Los Angeles Rams football player was arrested Thursday morning on suspicion of drugging and raping a female patron at his popular San Dimas sports bar, according to the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office.

Antonio “Tony” Zendejas, 48, faces one felony count each of rape by use of drugs, rape of an unconscious person, sodomy by anesthesia or controlled substance and sodomy of an unconscious victim, according to the felony complaint.

He was arrested without incident at his Yorba Linda home, said Jane Robison, a spokeswoman for the district attorney’s office.

Zendejas’ attorney, Timothy Younger, said his client left jail Thursday afternoon after posting $260,000 bail. Authorities initially said Zendejas was due to appear in court today but that appearance was pushed back, Younger said.

“Mr. Zendejas was shocked and surprised on being advised of the allegations against him,” Younger said in a statement. “He is anxious to begin immediately defending his good name and he is very grateful and appreciative of the support he has already received from family and friends who know these allegations are simply slanderous.”

The arrest stems from an incident Jan. 26 at Zendejas’ restaurant and bar, which is called Zendejas Mexican Restaurant.

According to the complaint, Zendejas gave a female patron a drink that made her groggy. After the woman woke in a nearby motel room, she contacted authorities to say she had been raped. Los Angeles County sheriff’s detectives then launched an investigation.

Zendejas retired in 1995 after playing for 10 seasons as a kicker with the Rams, Houston Oilers, Atlanta Falcons and San Francisco 49ers.

If convicted, he could face up to 15 years in state prison.

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-- Molly Hennessy-Fiske