Chad Wheeler.
The Seattle Seahawks have parted ways with Chad Wheeler after the offensive tackle was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence.
“We encourage Chad to get the help he needs,” the Seahawks added.
Wheeler, 27, was arrested in Kent, Washington, on Friday and booked into the King County Jail early Saturday morning for investigation of felony domestic violence, according to online jail records.
He was released on a $400,000 bail.
On Wednesday, Wheelerreleased a statement regarding his arrest, saying, “Events happened over the weekend that transpired from a manic episode. I am deeply sorry for the pain and suffering that I have caused to [the woman] and her family.”
“I apologize profusely for the turmoil that I have caused to my family, teammates, fans and those closest to me.” He added that the “most thing right now” is the victim “gets the care she needs and I get help. Both are happening.”
“It is time for me to walk away from football and get the help I need to never again pose a threat to another. I cannot express my sorrow or remorse enough. I am truly ashamed.”
According to a police report from the Kent Police Department, Wheeler was taken into custody after officers found him and an injured woman inside of an apartment,NBC Newsreported.
Police say the woman’s face was covered in blood and she was crying in pain when officers found her and Wheeler in the home, according to the report.
In court documents, prosecutors said that Wheeler “viciously attacked the victim in her bedroom” and strangled her twice until she lost consciousness,CNNreported.
The woman claimed in the court document that he then threw her on the bed, choking her and trying to smother her.
She began to lose consciousness and tried to fight back, but Wheeler grabbed her arm and twisted it, the documents claim.
She ran into the bathroom, where she called her family and 911. Officers arrived and arrested Wheeler, who was allegedly uncooperative and yelled, “Sorry!” and “I don’t beat women!” according to the Associated Press.
The woman told authorities she did not remember Wheeler striking her.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
source: people.com
