Lawrence Taylor, Hall of Fame linebacker, arrested for rape

SUFFERN, N.Y. -- Pro Football Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor was arrested and charged Thursday with the rape of a 16-year-old girl who police said was delivered to his suburban New York City hotel room against her will.

O'Connor: Giant Contrast

Two weeks ago, Lawrence Taylor was holding court at the NFL draft. Now he's back in court, ESPNNewYork.com's Ian O'Connor writes. Story

•Photo Gallery: Taylor's Highs, Lows

Taylor, who has a history of drug abuse and runs-in with the law, was charged with third-degree rape, a felony charge that carries a term of up to four years in prison. Taylor was also charged with third-degree patronizing of a prostitute, a misdemeanor charge that carriers a term of up to one year in prison.

Police officials said at a news conference Thursday that Taylor was "cooperative" when he was taken into custody and questioned.

An attorney for Taylor, Kenneth Gribetz, said he was "confident [Taylor's] innocence will be proven."

Another of Taylor's attorneys, Arthur Aidala, said he is "cautiously optimistic" that Taylor will be able to post bail Thursday.

A second man was arrested in the case, New York City police said. Rasheed Davis, a 36-year-old parolee, was arrested on charges of unlawful imprisonment, assault and endangering the welfare of a child.

Taylor's Struggles Off The Field

1986: Admits in public statement that he has received help for substance abuse ... enters six-week drug-rehab program in Houston, stays one week.

1988: Given 30-day four-game suspension for second violation of NFL's drug-abuse policy for cocaine use.

1989: Fails breath test when police find him asleep behind the wheel of his Jeep beside the Garden State Parkway in N.J. ... acquitted in Saddle Brook, N.J., of drunken driving charges ... tries to choke a reporter after a Giants practice.

1996: One of 15 arrested in Myrtle Beach, S.C., for allegedly trying to buy $100 worth of crack from undercover police while in town for a celebrity golf tourney. Charges dropped when LT agrees to 60 hours of public service.

1997: Pleaded guilty to filing false 1990 income-tax return and failing to report $48,000 income from the now-defunct LT Sports Club in East Rutherford, N.J.

1998: Arrested in his New Jersey home in a roundup of deadbeat parents. Released after about 10 hours in jail when a friend pays $6,000 in child support and for an outstanding traffic violation ... arrested again, this time in Florida, for allegedly buying $50 in crack from an undercover cop and for possessing drug paraphernalia.

2009: Arrested in Miami for leaving the scene of an accident.

2010: Arrested by Ramapo, N.Y., police, and accused of raping a minor at a hotel in Montebello.

Free agent Jason Taylor, New York Jets meeting for second dayTaylor talk bemuses Magpies