Keith Hamilton (American football)

Keith Lamarr Hamilton (born May 25, 1971 in Paterson, New Jersey) is a former American football defensive tackle for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He played college football at the University of Pittsburgh and was selected in the 1992 NFL Draft. Hamilton spent his entire 12-season career with the Giants and recorded 63 sacks, placing him fourth on the team's career sack list since sacks became an official statistic in 1982. "Hammer," as he was known, played in 173 games in a Giants uniform, tying him with Harry Carson for sixth on the franchise's all-time list. He was named a Pro Bowl alternate in 2000, when he recorded ten sacks and the Giants reached Super Bowl XXXV.

Legal troubles

On Thursday May 22, 2003, Hamilton was arrested for possession of cocaine, possession of under 50 grams of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and consumption of alcohol in a vehicle. On Monday May 24, 2004, Hamilton pleaded guilty to cocaine possession.
Hamilton was arrested at his home early Friday morning Feb. 3, 2006, after police signed two complaints against him, alleging that he repeatedly struck his 12-year old son. Hamilton was sentenced Friday, Aug. 11, to three years of probation for beating the boy. Police say Hamilton hit his son with an electric cord and surge protector, picked him up by his throat and elbowed him in the chest Feb. 1 after seeing poor grades on a report card.