Former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver David Boston has been sentenced to six months in jail as a result of hitting a woman in the face.

According to the Palm Beach Post, Boston pleaded guilty to a felony charge of aggravated battery stemming from a Nov. 30, 2011, incident in which he hit a female friend above the left eyebrow, opening a cut that required 10 stitches to close.

Judge Charles Burton declined a request from a prosecutor to sentence Boston, a first-round draft pick of the Cardinals in 1999, to four years behind bars. Boston also got five years probation and the judge was swayed by a report from a defense witness that testified Boston suffered from a “brain disorder unrelated to substance abuse,” according to the report. A psychiatrist testified an evaluation of Boston’s brain showed he had at least four concussions during his playing days.

Boston, who also played for the San Diego Chargers and Miami Dolphins, will be required to complete counseling. The report indicates it was an alcohol-fueled incident that led to the assault. Concussions and brain injuries should not be used as an excuse for domestic violence. Hopefully, Boston will learn from his lesson.

Follow me on Twitter: @BradBiggs

Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune