Chad Wheeler, an offensive lineman at the Seattle Seahawks, was dropped by the NFL team on Wednesday after being arrested for assaulting his girlfriend over the weekend.
“The Seahawks are saddened by the details that come to light against Chad Wheeler and strongly condemn this act of domestic violence,” the team said in a statement on Wednesday. “Chad is a free agent and no longer with the team.”
Wheeler, who joined the Seahawks from the New York Giants in 2020, was arrested Saturday after a woman called police at an apartment in Kent and told a 911 dispatcher that she was ‘killed’ ‘, the Seattle Times reported.
The woman reports that she was strangled by the 310-pound Wheeler until she died, the Seattle Times reported, citing a police report. When she wakes up, she tells the police that she sees Wheeler standing near the bed and says, “Wow are you alive?”
The woman told police the violence began when Wheeler, who she said had a bipolar disorder and did not take his medication, asked her to bow in front of him, the Times reported. When she did not do so, he allegedly threw her on the bed.
The woman was able to call police after she regained consciousness and locked herself in a bathroom around 911. Police heard noise as they entered the apartment and found Wheeler and the victim in the bathroom.
The Times was taken to hospital to be treated for bleeding and dislocated arm.
Prison records indicate Wheeler was booked into the King County Jail at 1:19 a.m. Saturday. He was released Tuesday morning after posting a $ 400,000 bail.
In a series of tweets, Wheeler said the incident was a result of “a manic episode” and that he was “really ashamed”. The 27-year-old has also indicated that he will retire from football for the time being.
“I am deeply sorry for the pain and suffering I have caused,” he wrote in tweet wire. “I apologize for the unrest caused by my family, teammates, supporters and those closest to me.”
Wheeler added that his girlfriend is caring, and that he is also going to seek help.
“It’s time I walked away from football and got the help I needed to never again pose a threat to anyone else,” he said. wrote. “I can’t express my sadness or remorse enough. I’m really ashamed.”