THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

ATLANTA -- Former Atlanta Falcons running back Jamal Anderson has been charged with felony cocaine possession and misdemeanour marijuana possession after being arrested at an Atlanta nightclub, authorities said Sunday.

Anderson, a fan favourite who created the "Dirty Bird" touchdown celebration dance, played eight seasons for the Falcons before leaving the team with a knee injury in 2001.

Atlanta police spokesman Officer Otis Redmond said Anderson, 36, was arrested early Sunday at the Peachtree Tavern in Atlanta's trendy Buckhead district. Redmond said a second man, whose name was not immediately available, also was arrested.

Redmond said an off-duty officer working in security at the club alerted police. Redmond said both men allegedly had powder cocaine in their possession and Anderson also had a suspected marijuana cigarette in his pocket.

Anderson and the other man were taken to Fulton County jail. Anderson has a court hearing on the charge Monday morning, authorities said.

Anderson helped lead the Falcons to their first NFC title in 1998, when he rushed for 1,846 yards and set an NFL record for carries in a season with 410. It was his only Pro Bowl season. The Falcons lost to the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl that season.

Anderson was drafted out of Utah by the Falcons in the seventh round of the 1994 NFL draft, No. 201 overall.