updated 7:57 p.m. ET March 30, 2007

TAMPA, Fla. - Buccaneers running back Lionel Gates was arrested and charged with hitting a pregnant woman in the face and pushing her into a wall during an argument.

The 25-year-old player was being held Friday with no bond, jail records said.

Gates kicked in the front door of Peggie Lavender’s apartment Thursday night, destroyed two televisions and two doors, put a hole in the bedroom wall and assaulted her, a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office report said. He was arrested later at his apartment in the same complex.

Gates was charged with burglary of a dwelling, aggravated battery of a pregnant woman and criminal mischief. A call to his lawyer, Ken Sarnoff, was not immediately returned.

“Charges such as those facing Lionel Gates are taken seriously by the Buccaneers organization,” the team said in a statement Friday. “We plan to meet with Lionel as soon as possible after which we will deal with this matter appropriately.”

Gates was signed by Tampa Bay in September after being released by Buffalo. He played at Louisville and was drafted by the Bills in 2005.

MORE FROM NFL

NFL Section Front

Beware the big names PFT’s Picks: Chargers’ streak will end; Colts will lose PFT: Childress says he's not micromanaging Favre Trash Talk: Favre is starting to show his age PFT: Haley denies giving middle finger to fan PFT: Frye to start at QB for Raiders Freeney, Mathis among 6 Colts who sit out practice Celizic: No more free passes for Peyton   Pompei: Saints and Colts have taught NFL a lesson   PFT Daily: NFL's head case with concussions NFL Section Front   Add NFL headlines to your news reader: