updated 12:12 p.m. ET Feb. 21, 2007

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. - Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Jonathan Babineaux denied responsibility on Tuesday for the death of his girlfriend’s dog, which led to felony animal abuse charges against the player.

Gwinnett County Police said officers were dispatched Sunday evening to the Animal Emergency Center, where the staff told them that 24-year-old Blair Anderson had arrived with a pit bull mix that was dead upon arrival.

Police said Anderson told them she and Babineaux, 25, had argued at their home. She said she went to the movies, and upon returning found Kilo, her year-and-a-half old dog, in “severe physical distress.”

Babineaux met with officers at the hospital, where he said he was not responsible for the dog’s death. Police said his account of what happened was inconsistent with the information about the dog’s injuries provided by the animal hospital. He was arrested.

Police said they are still awaiting test results, but added that preliminary information indicates Kilo died from a massive blow to the head.

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Lt. Derrick Locklear, shift commander for the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office, said Babineaux was released just before 8 a.m. Monday on a $2,300 bond.

Falcons spokesman Reggie Roberts said that until the team has the information it needs, there would be no comment.

Babineaux played in all 16 games and recorded 28 tackles last season.

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