Olympic champ Paul Hamm accused of assault in Ohio

UPPER ARLINGTON, Ohio — Olympic gymnastics champion Paul Hamm has been accused of hitting and kicking an Ohio taxi driver, damaging a cab window and refusing to pay a $23 fare.

He’s charged with assault and two other misdemeanors. Court records show the 28-year-old Hamm was charged Saturday in suburban Columbus and is free on bond awaiting a Sept. 15 arraignment.

WBNS-TV in Columbus reports Hamm can be heard on an Upper Arlington police video telling an officer he’d had about eight drinks. As he sits in the back of a cruiser handcuffed, he says, “I don’t understand. I’m gonna kill you guys.”

Hamm’s agent, Sheryl Shade, declined to comment Wednesday.

Hamm is from Waukesha, Wis. He’s the 2004 Olympic all-around gymnastics champion. He works as an assistant coach at Ohio State.