On New Year's Eve, UFC lightweight fighter Josh Neer was arrested in Iowa and charged with drunk driving and leading police on a high-speed chase.

But while Neer is facing felony charges, his manager, Mickey Dubberly, claims that it's the police who were in the wrong in their handling of the situation. Dubberly claims that Neer was bruised from being kicked by the arresting officers.

From Sherdog:

According to Dubberly, Neer said he struck a stopped car, got out to check it for damage, and continued on his way when he saw none. Dubberly said Neer panicked when an officer began to pursue his car.

After attempting (to bump Neer's car), police reportedly deployed spike strips in an attempt to bring the pursuit to an end. Neer was arrested after blowing a tire.

Dubberly contends the arresting officers used unnecessary force during Neer's apprehension. Dubberly said the athlete sustained bruises to his stomach, thighs, and head after officers kicked him repeatedly.

"Obviously he did something wrong, but they crossed the line severely in handling the situation," said Dubberly.

The claim of excsessive force should be investigated, and if it's true, the officers should be charged as well. But it's hard to muster a lot of sympathy after Neer drove some 20 miles while police were trying to stop him, at 100 mph, and then was found to be legally drunk.

Dubberly said Neer will be physically able to compete in his next scheduled fight, at UFC Fight Night 17 on February 7 in Tampa. It's not yet known whether the UFC will allow him to fight.