Original Article Ex-ASU athlete clashes with police By Mike Branom, Tribune November 19, 2005 A former Arizona State University football player was arrested early Friday on allegations that he punched a Tempe police sergeant in the face while the officer was trying to break up a bar fight. Police said Nick Johnson, a defensive end during the 2002 and 2003 seasons, also threw another officer to the ground and hit a bouncer at ACME Roadhouse Bar, 955 S. Rural Road. The 6-foot-4, 275-pound Johnson was stunned with a Taser and arrested shortly after 2 a.m. on suspicion of two counts of aggravated assault on a police officer and one count of misdemeanor assault. Sgt. James Click, who was knocked unconscious, suffered a broken nose and fractured cheekbone. The eight-year police veteran was taken to Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn hospital and is expected to undergo reconstructive surgery this weekend. It wasnt immediately known why Johnson attacked Click, who was breaking up a fight that did not involve Johnson. Any injuries suffered by the bouncer were not believed to be serious, police said. The other officer was not hurt. Johnson, 21, had a short stay with the Sun Devils because of discipline problems. The Chandler High School graduate brawled with a teammate in July 2003 and left the team after being suspended five games into his sophomore season. Contact Mike Branom by email, or phone (480) 898-6536