He spent Father's Day smiling with his kids. Hours later, police locked the UFC legend in a cell.

Retired UFC star Dustin Poirier, 37, was booked in Georgia on Sunday night on a public drunk charge.

It is hard to watch a hero fall, even for one night. We cheer for fighters because they seem to have perfect self-control in the wildest moments.

WHAT HAPPENED

Police arrested retired UFC star Dustin Poirier on Sunday evening in Georgia. Officers booked the 37-year-old fighter for a public drunk charge at 6:38 PM.

He stayed in jail for nearly four hours before his release at 10:15 PM. Just hours before the arrest, his wife had shared a happy Father's Day photo of Poirier and their two children.

Poirier retired one year ago after a long career as one of the best fighters of his generation. He made his first court appearance on Monday morning.

What the evidence shows

• Arrest time: Sunday at 6:38 PM
• Release time: Sunday at 10:15 PM
• Charge: Public drunk (a minor charge in Georgia)
• Potential penalty: Up to one year in jail and a fine
• Fighter age: 37 years old

THE BIGGER QUESTION

What happens when the bright lights of the UFC go out for good? Poirier retired only a year ago after a legendary career inside the cage.

Many athletes struggle to find their place when the cheering stops and the daily grind of training ends. We have to wonder if this arrest is just a simple mistake or a sign of a harder struggle to adjust to life after sports.

THE OTHER SIDE

Poirier went to social media to address his fans and kept his message short, writing, "Love you all Im working on my self." Former fighter Ben Askren also defended him, saying Poirier was just having a good time at the airport and wrestled some friends.

This defense shows he has loyal friends, but it does not change the fact that police felt his behavior went too far.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW

Poirier must face his charge in court. For regular fans, it is a reminder that even the strongest heroes are human and make mistakes.

He will likely face a fine or probation, but his real work will be rebuilding trust with his family and fans.

WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW

1. What specific actions caused the police to arrest him at the airport?
2. Did anyone get hurt during the wrestling incident mentioned by his friend?
3. Will this arrest affect his business deals or his future work with the UFC?

SOURCE NOTE

This story is based on reports from TMZ Sports. All charges are allegations - Dustin Poirier is presumed innocent until proven guilty.