EAST LANSING, MI - SEPTEMBER 24: Demetrius Cooper #98 of the Michigan State Spartans warms up before the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Spartan Stadium on September 24, 2016 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images)

Big Ten starter arrested after allegedly spitting in the face of a police officer

NOT IDEAL.

Michigan State defensive lineman Demetrius Cooper was arrested in connection to an incident back in October, but more details emerged on the case today that are certain to raise eyebrows.

According to a Detroit News report, Cooper encountered an officer outside a restaurant after being given a parking ticket. Per the report, Cooper argued with the officer and allegedly spit in the officer's face.

From the Detroit News:

According to the report, the PACE officer explained the citation and Cooper headed back into the restaurant, at which time he advised Cooper he could receive another citation if the Chevrolet Impala remained parked illegally. That's where the stories differ.

The officer claims Cooper said, "I'm going to spit in your face. I should spit on you right now," at which time police say he did spit on the officer. Cooper's statement in the police report said he admitted he was frustrated and confused why he could receive another citation and said he did tell the officer he should spit on him but did not.

Cooper wasn't arrested at the scene, but a warrant for his arrest was issued a month later after an investigation. The warrant came after Michigan State's season was over.

Cooper started in 11 of the Spartans' 12 games this year, recording 23 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. Cooper is expected to return to Michigan State next season as a fifth-year senior.