Was it appropriate to taser Whitner?

TONAWANDA, N.Y. (WIVB) - When Donte Whitner was arrested in Cleveland, the Buffalo Bills Safety made a statement that he's filing a lawsuit.

"I'm filing a lawsuit today," said Donte Whitner.

But police say they had every reason to use force with him outside a nightclub in Cleveland.

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The Police Statement says, "Officers attempting to control the scene denied Whitner access to the area, at which time he attempted to force his way past the officers in an aggressive manner."

Police used the taser on Whitner, "Debilitating him enough that officers were able to place him in handcuffs."

A taser is a very powerful tool, able to fire 50,000 volts.

When and why would a police officer resort to using it on someone?

"They have to put somebody's life in danger either ours maybe their own," said Patrick Day, Town of Tonawanda Police.

Town of Tonawanda Police Officer Patrick Day says every situation is different, "It's a split second decision usually.  We'd like to use that taser to try and save that person's life rather than have to shoot them," said Day.

Whitner says he was at a birthday party before he was arrested.

When he was asked if it was necessary for police to use a taser on him, "Not at all," was his response.

Still Whitner has expressed regret for the incident.

"I'm sorry you guys have to be here today, but you know, I feel like in the future this thing will come to pass and the truth will come out, and I will be proven innocent,"Whitner said.

In a statement the Bills say, "We are aware of the report. At the present we are attempting to gather all of the facts and will defer comment until that process is completed."