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Former Colt, longtime radio personality arrested in Hendricks County overnight

Joe Staysniak charged with strangulation and battery causing bodily injury
Joe Staysniak
Posted at 12:26 PM, Feb 21, 2023
and last updated 2023-02-21 23:24:21-05

HENDRICKS COUNTY — Former Indianapolis Colt and longtime local sports radio host Joe Staysniak was arrested early Tuesday morning in Hendricks County on numerous charges.

Staysniak is charged with strangulation and domestic battery stemming from an overnight confrontation with his son and his son's boyfriend.

According to court documents, Staysniak is accused of punching the pair.

In court documents, Staysniak is said to have told a Hendricks County Deputy that a neighbor alerted him to a suspicious car in his front yard.

Staysniak denied hitting his son's boyfriend but said he did grab him by the hoodie "to get his attention."

He also explained, as shown in court documents, that he showed the pair his gun but did not point it at them.

Staysniak's wife broke up the confrontation as it continued.

His attorney released the following statement Tuesday night.

Staysniak played for the Colts from 1992-95 as part of his seven year NFL career.

After his playing career ended, Staysniak joined sports radio in Indianapolis including hosting morning shows "The Jeff and Big Joe Show" and "Grady and Big Joe."