BREAKING: Falcons Terminate Barkevious Mingo's Contract In Wake of Sex Crime Arrest

The Falcons' newly signed free agent was arrested in Arlington, Texas and is free on bail

In swift response to his arrest for a sex crime in Texas, the Atlanta Falcons have terminated the contract of linebacker Barkevious Mingo.

In a statement released Saturday night, the team said ...

After being made aware today of allegations involving Barkevious Mingo and gathering information on the matter, the Atlanta Falcons have terminated his contract.

The attorney for Mingo said earlier Saturday that the allegations were "completely baseless." Mingo was arrested Thursday for alleged "indecency with a child, sexual contact," according to the Arlington, Texas police department. The crime is a second-degree felony in Texas, punishable by up 20 years in prison.

He turned himself into police and was arrested at 9:46 p.m. on July 8, and was held in Tarrant County jail until posting $25,000 bond Friday.

"The allegations out of Tarrant County against my client are completely baseless," said attorney Lukas Garcia in a statement. "Barkevious Mingo is innocent. At this stage, our side has very limited information. What we do know is these allegations are from over two years ago and are completely untrue. Mr. Mingo is the victim of a false claim, and we believe this is motivated by money or some  other ulterior motive. We are confident when the truth comes to light, my client will be fully exonerated."

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Mingo, 30, was the sixth overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft and has played for six teams over eight seasons in the NFL, winning a Super Bowl ring with the New England Patriots in their historic comeback victory over the Falcons. The LSU alum signed as a free agent with the Falcons this offseason and was slated to be compete for a starting position for new head coach Arthur Smith's defense.

Mingo is a pass-rush specialist, either playing hand-on-the-ground defense end or stand-up outside linebacker. He has 12.5 sacks in 40 starts at his various stops throughout the league.The Falcons finished 24th in the NFL last season with only 29 sacks.

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Check back here as FalconReport.com keeps you up to date with the latest breaking news regarding Mingo's arrest and future with the Falcons.