Orlando City Soccer player accused of punching cab driver in face, deputies say

LAKE MARY, Fla. — An Orlando City Soccer forward has been arrested and faces charges of aggravated battery after he punched a cab driver, Seminole County deputies said.

Benjamin David Polk, 25, of Lake Mary, was one of two passengers who took a cab from downtown Orlando to Island Shore Lane in Lake Mary around 3 a.m. Saturday, deputies said.

The taxi cab driver said Polk punched him in the mouth and knocked out his front tooth because Polk was upset about the $57 price of the cab fare, investigators said.

Polk posted a $15,000 bail and was released from the John E. Polk Correctional Facility.

Polk is a former player of the United Soccer League Orlando City B, and his contract was expired Thursday, a spokesperson for Orlando City Soccer Club said Monday.

The spokesperson said in a statement, "Orlando City SC is aware of and will continue to monitor the situation. However, because the incident occurred after Polk’s contract expired on Thursday night following the conclusion of OCB’s season, the Club will not issue any further comment."

Polk played in eight games last season for Orlando City B, the franchise's second tier team.

Polk is the sixth player linked to the Orlando City Soccer Club that has been in trouble recently.

Cyle Larin was arrested for DUI in June, Will Johnson was arrested for domestic battery recently and Giles Barnes and Donnie Toia were kicked out of Disney's Epcot two weeks ago.

Cox Media Group