ESPN’s Jay Mariotti released from jail on $50,000 bail

ESPN personality and sports columnist Jay Mariotti was released from jail on $50,000 bail Saturday, hours after being arrested on suspicion of felony domestic assault, authorities said.

Mariotti, 51, was arrested Saturday around 4 a.m. following an argument with his girlfriend, authorities said.

Mariotti is a well-known sports commentator who can be seen on the ESPN show “Around the Horn.” He also writes for a sports website called Fanhouse.com where he is known for his outspoken views criticizing athletes for their actions on and off the field. He formerly wrote a sports column for the Denver Post and the Chicago Sun-Times.

LAPD sources said Mariotti allegedly got into an argument with his girlfriend at a club in Santa Monica, and they were observed exchanging harsh words just before getting in a car to leave. Mariotti got angry after he believed his girlfriend had been flirting with another man, police sources said.

The argument continued at the couple’s apartment near Venice where Mariotti allegedly pushed and shoved the woman. During the altercation, Mariotti grabbed her arm, leaving marks, the sources said.

Police were called to the apartment and found his girlfriend, who has not been identified, with cuts and bruises.

Mariotti was held at the 77th Street station before being released midday Saturday.

ESPN spokesman Josh Krulewitz said he was just becoming aware of the incident and had no immediate comment. Mariotti did not immediately respond to requests for comment.