PHOENIX (AP) — The Arizona Cardinals say they first learned of the domestic abuse accusations against backup running back Jonathan Dwyer on Wednesday afternoon.

By evening, citing “the serious nature of these allegations,” the team had deactivated Dwyer from all team activities.

The quick reaction came with the backdrop of intense criticism of the NFL’s handling of a spate of such cases.

Dwyer, led to the jail in handcuffs on Wednesday, was charged with three counts, including “aggravated assault causing a fracture” involving the unidentified 27-year-old victim. He was released early Thursday after posting bond, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office said.

Police said they were carrying out a search warrant of Dwyer’s residence in pursuit of more evidence.

The 25-year-old player denied committing any assault, police said.