2004 Olympic all-around champion Paul Hamm (U.S.) is facing serious legal issues after being accused of assault in Ohio.
Hamm, 28, was arrested Saturday in Columbus after police say he punched and kicked a taxi cab driver and damaged the cab. He was charged with assault, criminal damaging and for not paying for a service.
Paul Hamm (U.S.)Following the alleged incident, Hamm was captured on video arguing with police officers. He can be heard telling the officers he had consumed "probably eight drinks" and can be heard saying, "I'm going to kill you guys."
Hamm is in his first season as assistant coach at Ohio State University. According to reports, university officials stated they will allow due process before taking any course of action.
Hamm is the most successful male gymnast in U.S. history, with three Olympic and five world medals. Along with his twin brother, Morgan Hamm, he competed at back-to-back Olympic Games in 2000 and 2004.
In 2003, Paul Hamm became the first American male to win the all-around title at the world championships. He followed that with another historic achievement - winning the all-around title at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.
Following Athens, Hamm took time off from gymnastics competition. He graduated from Ohio State magna cum laude with a degree in accounting in 2007. He made a comeback in 2008 and was named to his third Olympic team, but stepped down from the team due to hand and shoulder injuries.
He had been planning on returning to competition in 2011, before suffering another shoulder injury. He has stated he plans to return to competition at the 2012 Winter Cup in February.
Hamm, who turns 29 on Sept. 24, is free on bond and has a Sept. 15 court date for arraignment.
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