"Attorneys for Cedric Benson claim the troubled free-agent running back is being threatened with extortion from the alleged victim in last Sunday's arrest on assault charges in Austin, Texas.

Benson faces a misdemeanor assault with injury charge following an incident with Clavens Charles, whom, according to reports, is Benson's former roommate.

A statement released by David Cornwell and Sam Bassett — Benson's attorneys — allege Charles is seeking money in order to remain quiet about the incident.

From Cornwell and Bassett (published on Cincinnati.com):

"Thomas Crosley, the attorney for Clavens "Miami" Charles, the individual involved in the incident with Cedric Benson this weekend, contacted us yesterday to demand a 'settlement' meeting. This attorney stated that if we did not respond within a short period, Mr. Charles would respond to media requests, including a request for an interview from TMZ. We have learned that Mr. Charles' representatives have contacted at least one public relations firm to assist them with publicity."