A onetime NFL quarterback with a history of arrests and mental illness was committed Thursday to Atascadero State Hospital.
Jesse Lee Freitas, 62, who played 13 games for the San Diego Chargers from 1974-75, will spend a maximum of three years at the locked facility.
Judge Dana Simonds committed him on the recommendation of county mental health officials who said he suffers bipolar disorder and has numerous arrests dating back to 1974.
Most recently, Freitas was arrested Dec. 11 on charges he set fire to property on Guerneville Road in Santa Rosa.
A report on his condition says he has a history of lighting fires as well as refusing to take medications, flushing them down the toilet while in jail. He also is accused of assaults and escaping from custody.
Last month, he was denied acceptance to Napa State Hospital.
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