The Associated Press

PORTLAND, Ore. - Trail Blazers forward Ruben Patterson was arrested Monday night on a felony domestic assault charge, the latest Portland player in trouble with the law.

Tualatin police spokesman Sgt. Doug Nafziger said the former Cincinnati Bearcats player was taken into custody after his wife, Shannon, called 911 and said he assaulted her at their home.

Nafziger said that when police got to the couple's home Monday evening, "They found that Mrs. Patterson had minor (injuries)."

The couple's children, ages 2 and 10, were in the house at the time, police said. The presence of the children is enough to boost the charge from a misdemeanor to a felony under Oregon law.

Patterson was taken to the Washington County Jail and released after teammate Derek Anderson posted $1,000 bail.

"I'm just hearing of this myself," Blazers executive director of communications Mike Hanson said. "It would be premature for myself or anyone in the organization to comment at this time."

Shannon Patterson released a statement Tuesday through her husband's agent, Dan Fegan.

"I made a statement that was accurate but in the heat of the moment was incomplete," Mrs. Patterson said. "Ruben and I had a disagreement this evening. I want the public to know that Ruben did not assault me. I love my husband, and this is a private family matter. I'm embarrassed it became public, and this is something we are working out privately. I respectfully request that we be allowed to do so."

Patterson is scheduled to be arraigned Dec. 6, the same day teammates Damon Stoudamire and Rasheed Wallace are scheduled to appear in court on drug charges.

Nafziger said Patterson could face up to five years in prison and a $100,000 fine if convicted.