NFL Suspends Defensive End for Four Games Amid Allegations

The National Football League (NFL) has suspended a prominent defensive end for four games without pay, citing violations of the league’s personal conduct policy. This decision, officially announced on Tuesday, arises amid allegations that he assaulted his pregnant girlfriend last year. He will be eligible for reinstatement following his team’s Week 8 game.

The player is set to miss crucial upcoming games, including matchups against significant rivals. The allegations are said to have occurred during the team’s bye week in suburban Dallas, Texas, in November 2023.

According to the Glenn Heights Police Department, the player turned himself in on November 30 on charges of third-degree felony assault of a pregnant woman. He was subsequently released on a $5,000 bond. Despite these developments, no charges were filed, and the NFL proceeded with its own investigation.

An affidavit reviewed by ESPN detailed that the accusations included the player allegedly placing his hands on the woman’s neck and trying to push her as she attempted to leave their shared apartment. The affidavit further mentioned that the woman displayed “minor abrasions” and bruising consistent with pressure applied to the neck, along with other injuries.

Addressing the allegations in December 2023, the player emphatically denied them, labeling the claims “100 percent false.” He acknowledged the serious nature of domestic violence allegations and expressed a belief that the truth would eventually come to light.

The NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell, stated in March that while the option to place the player on the commissioner’s exempt list was considered, it was ultimately deemed inappropriate based on the available information.

In an unrelated move this offseason, the player restructured his contract, resulting in significant cap space savings for his team. Prior to this controversy, he served a suspension for performance-enhancing drugs in 2013.

Amidst this situation, the team signed a defensive tackle from another team’s practice squad to bolster their defensive line.