The Atlanta defender Eugene Robinson was arrested for soliciting sex on the eve of his third consecutive Super Bowl, damaging the Falcons's chances of toppling reigning champions Denver.

Robinson offered $40 for oral sex to an undercover policewoman posing as a prostitute in Miami on Saturday night a police spokesman said.

Police said Robinson made the solicitation about 21 hours before the kick-off of Super Bowl 33 last night. Robinson, who has been released, has denied the charges.

Atlanta coach Dan Reeves said that Robinson, who has received an NFL award for character and moral standards, was the last player he would expect to find in such a situation. The 35-year-old is nicknamed "Prophet" because he often quotes from the Bible.