Former Saskatchewan Roughriders running back Kenton Keith was released from jail in Indianapolis on Monday after being arrested a day earlier for refusing to leave a nightclub parking lot when ordered to do so by police.

Keith, 27, was arrested as police officers working security at the Cloud 9 club in Indianapolis attempted to clear a crowd from the parking lot at about 3 a.m. on Sunday.

Indianapolis Colts running back and former Saskatchewan Roughrider Kenton Keith (36) spent a night in jail after an altercation with police in Indianapolis. (Jeff Roberson/Associated Press)

Several patrons including Keith, currently a member of the NFL's Indianapolis Colts, refused to leave and were laughing, dancing and joking, police said.

Police ordered the group to put their hands on a vehicle, but police said Keith refused and took out his cellphone to record the incident, saying "I'm a Colts player, I'm a Colts player."

When he refused to put his hands behind his back, Keith was handcuffed and taken to jail, police said.

According to police, Keith was charged with misdemeanour counts of disorderly conduct, resisting law enforcement, public intoxication and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, because a man he brought to the club with him was 19.

Keith was released on his own recognizance and is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday.

The Colts released a statement about the arrest, but would not comment on specifics.

"Any incident involving any players with law enforcement we view very seriously, and we will act accordingly," Colts president Bill Polian said in the statement.

The running back served as a backup to starter Joseph Addai in Indianapolis last season, rushing for 533 yards on 121 carries with four touchdowns.

During his four-year stint with the Roughriders from 2003-2006, Keith rushed for 3,811 yards on 610 carries with 21 rushing touchdowns and 19 fumbles.

With files from the Associated Press