Top 10 News Stories of 2011: Rodney Atkins Accused of Domestic Assault Against Wife

In November 2011, 'Take a Back Road' hitmaker Rodney Atkins was arrested for allegedly trying to smother his wife with a pillow, though no one was the wiser until he filed for divorce in December.

According to the claims, Atkins and his wife got into a heated argument after the singer had been drinking all night, which is when he apparently pushed her down the hallway, in addition to trying to suffocate her. His wife, Tammy, says her husband was intoxicated and that the couple fought in front of their 10-year-old son.

When Atkins got his moment to speak out, he refuted his wife's claims and said he was "confident the truth will prevail," according to his lawyer. Divorce documents have since surfaced, as the country crooner said he felt he had no choice but to end their 13-year marriage. Atkins is seeking joint custody of his young son Elijah, while his wife is looking for full custody. As we enter 2012, this story is still developing.