A Spokane Shock Arena Football League player is accused of starting a fire at his Liberty Lake apartment.

Kevin Ellison originally told investigators the fire Thursday morning started accidentally while he was smoking in bed, but under questioning he said he set his bed on fire with a cigar because God told him to do it. He was arrested for investigation of arson.

Ellison jumped from his third-floor apartment to escape the flames and was treated at a hospital for smoke inhalation.

KXLY reports ( http://is.gd/ScmP2y) the 25-year-old played football at USC and was drafted by the San Diego Chargers. He had a brief stint in 2010 with the Seahawks.

He joined the Shock six weeks ago. Owner Brady Nelson says Ellison sent text messages Wednesday claiming he was Jesus.

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Information from: KXLY-TV, http://www.kxly.com/