An undrafted linebacker signed by the Cleveland Browns last month is charged with attempted murder for allegedly punching a man outside a club in northern New Jersey.

 

Ausar Walcott turned himself in to Passaic police Tuesday after he was identified as a suspect in the incident that happened around 3 a.m. Sunday. The team announced Wednesday it had released him.

 

Authorities tell The Record newspaper the 23-year-old Hackensack native and former University of Virginia player punched 24-year-old Derrick Jones in the head just after The Palace Gentlemen's Club closed.

Police say Jones, who is from New York City, is in critical condition.

 

Walcott is held on $500,000 bail. It's not clear if he has a defense lawyer.