Kiefer Sutherland, the star of the popular TV show 24, was charged with misdemeanor assault on May 7th, 2009, after he allegedly head-butted fashion designer Jack McCollough outside a nightclub in New York City.

According to reports, the altercation may have been sparked by an incident involving McCollough and actress Brooke Shields.

Some accounts suggest that McCollough bumped into Shields outside the club and did not apologize, leading to the altercation with Sutherland.

A representative for McCollough claimed that the designer was the victim of a vicious, violent, unprovoked assault and that the matter is in the hands of the authorities. Sutherland was questioned by police and released after being issued a ticket to appear in court on June 22nd.

The incident could have serious implications for Sutherland, who is currently on probation in California for a DUI conviction.

The terms of his probation require him to obey all laws, and any violation could result in jail time.

Sutherland has a history of legal troubles, including three DUI arrests and a probation violation in 2007 that resulted in a 48-day jail sentence.

The alleged assault could also have an impact on the future of 24, which is set to begin production on its eighth season at the end of May.

The shows seventh season was delayed by a year due to the Hollywood writers strike.

If Sutherland were to face additional jail time, it could jeopardize the production schedule and the future of the show.

Sutherlands legal troubles date back to 1989, when he was arrested for DUI and carrying a concealed and loaded weapon.

He pleaded no contest to alcohol-related reckless driving and the other charges were dropped.

He was arrested again for DUI in 1993 and pleaded out the same way he did four years earlier.

He also performed more than 200 hours of community service.

In 2004, Sutherland was arrested for DUI for the third time and was sentenced to five years probation.

His 2007 DUI arrest violated the terms of that probation and resulted in a jail sentence.

The incident outside the New York City nightclub is just the latest in a string of legal problems for Sutherland.

Over the years, he has faced charges of assault, battery, and disorderly conduct, among others.

Despite his legal troubles, Sutherland has remained a popular and respected actor, known for his intense performances and his portrayal of the iconic character Jack Bauer on 24.

The alleged assault on McCollough has raised questions about whether Sutherlands on-screen persona has spilled over into his personal life.

Some have suggested that his portrayal of Bauer, a tough and uncompromising counterterrorism agent, may have influenced his behavior outside of the show.

However, others have defended Sutherland, arguing that his legal troubles are a result of personal struggles and are not related to his work on 24.

Regardless of the cause of his legal problems, Sutherlands future remains uncertain.

The outcome of the assault case in New York City could have serious implications for his career and his personal life.