The Newport County striker Chris Zebroski has been jailed for four years after admitting four charges of robbery, attempted robbery and assault.
Swindon crown court was told that the 28-year-old crashed his BMW into a taxi in December and attacked another taxi driver who filmed him, smashing his mobile phone.
He then chased the first taxi driver, pushed him to the ground and punched him at least 10 times, saying “give me your phone”.
Zebroski, who was a youth player for Swindon and has played for Plymouth Argyle, Millwall, Bristol Rovers and Cheltenham Town, said later he was “a bit over the limit”.
The court heard that while on bail, Zebroski then attacked and tried to rob two men in Swindon after leaving a party. The player was said to have previous convictions for assault and alcohol-related incidents.
The Recorder Ian Lawrie said: “Whatever talent you had as a footballer has been squandered because of alcohol abuse.
“It is a matter of regret if this sentence shatters your professional football career.”
Zebroski joined Newport, currently ninth in League Two, from non-league Eastleigh in 2013 and was their top scorer last season with 13 goals.
Newport later put out a statement saying they had terminated Zebroski’s contract.
“Newport County have noted the prison sentence handed down to striker Chris Zebroski today,” the club website said.
“The club have always had the welfare and wellbeing of Chris at heart and have worked hard with Chris and the PFA throughout.
“However, we would like to make it clear that we do not condone any of the actions for which Zebroski has been found guilty.
“Regrettably, the club are left with no other option than to terminate Chris’s contract.”
