ORLANDO, Fla. -- Orlando Magic guard Darrell Armstrong was arrested early Monday after being accused of fighting with a female police officer outside a nightclub.

	Armstrong

Armstrong was booked into the Orange County jail on charges of battery on a law-enforcement officer and resisting arrest without violence. He was released after posting $1,000 bond.

"It was just an unfortunate accident that probably should've never happened on both parts," Armstrong said from a children's basketball clinic Monday afternoon. "We're just trying to work it out and move on."

Armstrong tried to enter a full taxi outside a club and, upset over being denied a ride, he stood in traffic, Orlando police Sgt. Orlando Rolon said.

When Officer Teresa Joyce tried to get Armstrong out of the street, he briefly scuffled with her and other officers before being arrested, police said.

Joyce severely sprained her left middle and ring fingers while trying to restrain Armstrong, Rolon said.

Upon his release, Armstrong admitted slapping the officer's hand away, but said he was provoked.

"Don't put your hands on me, that's all I'm saying,'' said Armstrong, whose shirt had a rip. "I only knocked her hand.''

The 35-year-old Armstrong, a nine-year NBA veteran, is a free agent, and the Magic have not said whether they will try to re-sign him. Armstrong averaged 9.4 points and 3.9 assists in a reserve role last season.

"We are just becoming aware of the situation,'' Magic general manager John Gabriel said. "We know Darrell and we're, obviously, very surprised at the news. We always support our players to the best of our abilities.

"But because this is a legal matter at this time, we don't have more to add.''

Armstrong's agent, Glenn Schwartzman, did not immediately return a phone message, and it could not be immediately determined if Armstrong has a lawyer.