'Gladiators' cop denies anger while making arrest

[January 26, 2011]  DENVER (AP) -- A Denver police officer who appeared as a contestant on "American Gladiators" is denying accusations that she arrested a shop manager in anger.

Vickie Ferrari took the stand in federal court Tuesday in a civil case alleging she used excessive force in arresting the man. She said she was bothered but not angry when she arrested him.

The plaintiff says he asked Ferrari to move her police cruiser that was blocking traffic and claims she roughed him up.

The man's attorney, David Lane, pointed to promotional material from the NBC reality show that described Ferrari as a pit bull with a lighting-fast temper.

Ferrari said no one has described her temper to her that way, but she acknowledged that she has earned a reputation as a pit bull in her job.

[Associated Press]

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