UFC’S GEOFF NEAL ARRESTED … Allegedly Drove Drunk On Thanksgiving W/ Weapon
Photo: Geoff Neal
Originally published as a TMZ post –
“UFC fighter Geoff Neal was arrested on Thanksgiving after cops say he was drinking and driving with a firearm … TMZ Sports has confirmed.
According to police records, Neal — who’s slated to fight at UFC 269 on Dec. 11 in Las Vegas — was taken into custody at 3:47 AM on Nov. 25.
Details surrounding the stop are unclear — we’re working on it — but records show Neal was booked on charges of driving while intoxicated and unlawfully carrying a weapon.
The records show the 31-year-old was eventually released from jail at 8:08 PM on Thanksgiving night.
Neal is set to scrap with Santiago Ponzinibbio, and, according to the UFC, the fight is still on despite the arrest.
“UFC is aware of the recent situation involving Geoff Neal,” UFC officials said in a statement. “The organization has been in communication with him and is in the process of gathering more details. Neal’s bout at UFC 269 on December 11th remains as scheduled.”
Neal, meanwhile, has denied the allegations against him … with his attorney telling ESPN this week that he believes bloodwork results will show the UFC fighter was not illegally drinking and driving.
“If it turns out he was not legally intoxicated — which we expect the blood test will show — there won’t be a gun charge, either,” said Brandon Barnett, who claims Neal legally had a licensed gun in his vehicle at the time of the arrest.
“I think it’s somewhat premature to report on this at this point,” Barnett added. “Doing what I do for a living, there’s a lot of occasions where you see an arrest and then based on the evidence that comes back there’s never even a case file.”
Neal has logged an impressive resume in his fighting career … recording a 13-4 record and earning wins over Mike Perry, Niko Price and Belal Muhammad in recent bouts.”
