Runing back attends preliminary hearing in Michigan

FLOWERY BRANCH - Atlanta Falcons running back T.J. Duckett was excused from practice so he could attend a preliminary hearing Tuesday for two men who allegedly attacked him July 21 in Ionia, Michigan. <br> <br> Falcons coach Dan Reeves said Duckett is expected to return to Atlanta later Tuesday night. <br> <br> Twenty-three-year-old Harold ``Jason&#39;&#39; Bodman of Ionia and 20-year-old Bobbie Pung of Saranac, Michigan, both face a charge ethnic intimidation, which is punishable by up to two years in prison. <br> <br> Bodman, who was arraigned August 15 in Ionia District Court, also faces a charge of assault with a dangerous weapon -- a four-year felony -- for allegedly striking Duckett with a bottle. Pung also faces a misdemeanor assault charge. <br> <br> Both men are being held are at the Ionia County Jail. <br> <br> Duckett, a first-round draft pick from Michigan State, told authorities that he was attacked after attending a concert. Duckett, who missed the first nine days of Atlanta&#39;s training camp holding out for a bigger contract, sustained a chipped tooth and a cut under his bottom lip that required four stitches. <br> <br> In three preseason games, Duckett leads the Falcons with 63 yards rushing on 23 carries.