Diddy's boy thanks dad for standing up for him

Sean 'Diddy' Combs and his son, Justin Combs. Photo / Instagram

Sean 'Diddy' Combs' son has thanked his dad for standing up for him following a heated football practice.

The rap mogul was arrested on charges of assault with a deadly weapon and battery after an altercation with his son Justin's strength and conditioning coach at the University of California, Los Angeles, where the youngster is a star defensive back.

Diddy allegedly swung a kettlebell weight at Sal Alosi during the altercation and was taken into custody by campus police officials, and whereas many kids might have been embarrassed by dad's actions, Justin Combs is glad his father stood up for him.

Posting a photo of father and son on Instagram, he wrote the caption, "I thank God for having a father that's always there for me... Love you pops!"

Diddy has released a statement through his representatives, insisting accounts of the incident are "wholly inaccurate" and his actions were "defensive in nature".

Diddy faces three counts of assault with a deadly weapon, one of battery and one of making terrorist threats.

The coach has hit the headlines in the past - he was suspended and fired as a New York Jets assistant after infamously tripping a Miami Dolphins player as he ran past him near the sidelines during a game.

Responding to the drama, UCLA head coach Jim Mora says, "I'm thankful that our staff showed the level of professionalism that they did in handling this situation."

- WENN