Tag: Arrested

Chiefs are reportedly releasing DL Isaiah Buggs following multiple offseason arrests

Kansas City #Chiefs are reportedly releasing DL Isaiah Buggs following multiple offseason arrests | @EdEastonJr

The brief Kansas City Chiefs tenure for Isaiah Buggs appears to have ended without suiting up for the team in a game. The 27-year-old defensive lineman is expected to be released, according to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero.

“The Chiefs have informed DL Isaiah Buggs they’re releasing him, per source,” Pelissero posted to his X account early Monday morning. The reported release follows two arrests of the former Alabama standout over the past few weeks in his hometown. Tuscaloosa Patch reported that Buggs was recently charged with burglary on June 16th after dealing with an arrest for animal cruelty last month.

The former sixth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft played three seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the last two with the Detroit Lions before signing with the Chiefs as a practice squad player in January. He never played a down for Kansas City but signed a futures contract in February, hoping to make the team in training camp.

The Chiefs’ offseason is quickly ending, with training camp only weeks away as they will try to eliminate any more distractions on their journey to a potential three-peat.

Chiefs DL Isaiah Buggs was hit with another criminal charge over the weekend

Kansas City #Chiefs DL Isaiah Buggs was hit with another criminal charge over the weekend | @EdEastonJr

The unfortunate news continues to pour in this offseason for the Kansas City Chiefs as off-the-field issues make headlines for another weekend. Defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs has yet to play in a game for the Chiefs, but he’s already been busy in the news.

According to reporter Ryan Phillips of the Tuscaloosa Patch, the 27-year-old was charged with burglary on Sunday.

“Tuscaloosa County Jail records show former Tide defensive lineman and Kansas City Chief Isaiah Buggs was arrested for burglary on Sunday,” said Phillips in a post on his X account.

According to Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office records, Buggs was released on $5,000 bond.

Buggs is already facing legal issues, having been charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty last month. Animal control officers reportedly found a gray and white pit bull and a black Rottweiler on a screened-in back porch without food or access to water.

The former Alabama Crimson Tide standout hopes to stick with Kansas City after stops with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Detroit Lions. Buggs remains listed on the Chiefs’ 90-man roster after signing a futures deal in February.

Two Chiefs arrested in Kansas ahead of OTAs

Two #Chiefs were arrested in Kansas on Friday night, just days before the team kicks off its OTAs.

The Kansas City Chiefs saw their offseason go from bad to worse on Friday night when two of their players were arrested in Kansas, reportedly on drug-related charges.

Harold R. Kuntz of FOX 4 Kansas City posted mugshots of offensive linemen Wanya Morris and Chukwuebuka Godrick, who he said were arrested in Johnson County for alleged possession of marijuana and THC.

The facts surrounding the case remain unclear, but for the Chiefs, this incident is one in a series of unfortunate events that may affect Kansas City’s ability to compete for a Super Bowl three-peat during the 2024 season.

The first offseason mishap involved second-year wide receiver Rashee Rice, who was charged with eight felonies after a high-speed crash in Dallas left multiple people injured.

Now, Morris and Godrick have found themselves in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons just before organized team activities kick off on Monday.

Possible Cowboys draft target DT T’Vondre Sweat arrested on DWI charge

From @ToddBrock24f7: The DT out of Texas was arrested over the weekend and released on a $3,000 bond. He was expected to be drafted in the first two rounds.

One of the college prospects thought by many to be a top target for the Cowboys has landed in serious legal trouble just 18 days before the NFL draft.

Texas defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat was arrested by police in Austin over the weekend and charged with driving while intoxicated, according to KXAN News.

The 22-year-old was booked into jail Sunday but posted a $3,000 bond and was released shortly afterward.

Texas law classifies DWI as a Class B misdemeanor. It carries a jail term of up to 180 days, a fine of up to $2,000, or both.

It could also see Sweat’s draft stock drop, possibly into the third day of picks.

The Huntsville, Tex. native is the brother of Eagles defensive end Josh Sweat and was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year as well as the 2023 Outland Trophy winner as the nation’s top interior defensive lineman.

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The Cowboys conducted a formal interview with Sweat at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis in late February.

Defensive tackle is a massive need in Dallas this year, as the team lost defensive tackles Johnathan Hankins and Neville Gallimore in free agency. Last year’s first-round draft pick, Michigan DT Mazi Smith, was underwhelming in his rookie season.

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Misdemeanor charges against Michael Thomas were dismissed, says attorney

Misdemeanor charges stemming from a Nov. 2023 arrest against Michael Thomas were dropped on Wednesday, his attorney told ESPN:

Michael Thomas can move on. His attorney Daniel Becnel told ESPN’s Katherine Terrell on Wednesday that misdemeanor charges stemming from a Nov. 2023 arrest had been dropped due to insufficient evidence, meaning the former New Orleans Saints wide receiver can focus on the next step for his NFL career.

Thomas was charged on counts of simple battery and criminal mischief,  having been accused of shoving a contractor and throwing a brick at his windshield over a parking dispute outside his home in Kenner, La. But Becnel says there was no proof of an altercation.

“There was no assault, there was no brick thrown,” Becnel told Terrell. “This was a dispute between a contractor and his employees, who were blocking his driveway and who were parking and walking on his grass. It came to a head one day, but there was no criminality involved. That’s obvious by the lack of any type of civil suit, the lack of any type of property damage, the lack of any medical issues and the lack of any physical evidence that criminal action took place.”

Thomas was released from custody the same night he was arrested by the Kenner Police Department, but he suffered a season-ending knee injury in the Saints’ road game with the Minnesota Vikings just two days later.

Now a free agent, Thomas is eager to move on with his career and find a fresh start in a new city on a new team. It’ll be interesting to see where the 2019 Offensive Player of the Year ends up, and whether he’ll be suiting up against his former teammates in 2024.

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Chiefs WR Justyn Ross placed on NFL commissioner’s exempt list following Monday’s arrest

Chiefs WR Justyn Ross was placed on the NFL commissioner’s exempt list following Monday’s arrest

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Justyn Ross has been placed on the NFL commissioner’s exempt list, making him unavailable to play or practice. The ruling was handed down from the league office shortly before the final team practice before the Chiefs travel to Denver in Week 8.

“NFL placed Chiefs’ WR Justyn Ross on the Commissioner Exempt List today following his arrest Monday for misdemeanor domestic battery and misdemeanor property damage.” posted Schefter. “He pleaded not guilty to both charges.”

While on the commissioner’s exempt list, Ross continues to be paid as an active roster member but doesn’t count against the Chiefs’ 53-man limit. He is barred from practice and attending games but can be present at the facility for meetings, to work out and to receive treatment.

Only Commissioner Roger Goodell can place a player on the exempt list; teams don’t have authority. According to NFL.com, “The Commissioner also has the authority to determine in advance whether a player’s time on the Exempt List will be finite or will continue until the Commissioner deems the exemption should be lifted, and the player returned to the Active List.” 

Chiefs HC Andy Reid says WR Justyn Ross will practice following Monday’s arrest

Chiefs HC Andy Reid says WR Justyn Ross will practice following Monday’s arrest

The Kansas City Chiefs are approaching their Week 8 matchup with the Denver Broncos with their usual preparation. A quick turnaround after hosting their AFC West rival in Week 6 would be a lead story on most weeks, but following an off-the-field issue, the attention is turned that way.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid addressed the media on Wednesday regarding Monday’s arrest of wide receiver Justyn Ross.

“Addressing that upfront. We’re taking in all the information. [We] have been will continue to do that,” Reid explained. “He’s back here, he’ll work today. And we’ll just take it from there. Other than that, I really don’t have any information for you other than what we’ve gathered.”

Ross was booked into the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office on Monday afternoon. During the time of his arrest, he was facing a felony charge of criminal damage. According to a report from The Kansas City Star, Ross would plead not guilty to Tuesday’s domestic violence charges.

“All the situations are different; the law enforcement part of it, you listen to the real details and what went on.” said Reid, “Then you keep open communication with Brett (Veach) and myself and people who deal with law enforcement. Then you make the final decision.”

Ross was starting to get more playing time this season after battling injuries since his standout college years at Clemson. He now could face another issue as the team continues its investigation.

Chris Olave arrested for reckless driving, but a suspension isn’t likely

Chris Olave was arrested for reckless driving on Monday night, but a suspension is unlikely for the Saints wide receiver:

We’ll start with the bad news. New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave was arrested Monday night in Kenner and charged with reckless operation of a motor vehicle; a police statement said that Olave was clocked at driving 70 miles per hour on Joe Yenni Boulevard, a zone carrying a 35 mile per hour speed limit, also “traveling at the high rate of speed, recklessly maneuvering between lanes and other drivers.” He was arrested at 9:10 p.m. CT.

Olave was booked and later released from Kenner City Jail at 11:30 p.m. CT. In Louisiana, a first offense for reckless operation of a motor vehicle can result in a penalty of no more than $200 and a prison sentence of up to 90 days. A second offense results in a fine of up to $500 and a 10-day prison sentence (at minimum). We’ll have to wait and see how this develops for Olave.

But don’t expect much discipline from the NFL head office. Traffic violations like this one rarely result in suspensions by the league — it’s just one example, but earlier this year Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison was cited for driving 140 miles per hour in a 55 mile per hour zone, but he was not fined or suspended by the league office. The Saints may issue disciple internally, but this shouldn’t dramatically impact Olave’s availability moving forward.

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Chiefs superfan ‘ChiefsAholic’ arrested, charged by FBI with bank theft

The infamous #Chiefs superfan “ChiefsAholic” is no longer on the run after a joint federal investigation led to his arrest in California.

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Infamous Kansas City Chiefs superfan “ChiefsAholic,” who made bail and went on the run after being arrested in an alleged bank robbery in Bixby, Oklahoma, is back behind bars.

The FBI announced on Monday, that 28-year-old Xavier Michael Babudar, aka “ChiefsAholic” was arrested on Friday in California. He was charged in federal court with bank theft and transporting stolen property across state lines. This comes after a joint investigation involving six different FBI branches.

Babudar was well-known by Chiefs fans because of the extravagant wolf costume he wore to games and displayed often on social media.

Here is some more information on the investigation via the FBI’s Twitter thread:

Babudar enjoyed a robust social media presence as a Kansas City Chiefs superfan. He was charged in Tulsa County, OK with the robbery of the Tulsa Teachers Federal Credit Union on Dec. 16, 2022.

FBI investigators began reviewing financial records to determine the breadth and scope of additional potential criminal activities.

According to an affidavit filed in support of the federal criminal complaint, Babudar purchased and redeemed more than $1 million in chips from various casinos in Missouri, Kansas, and Illinois between April and December 2022.

Babudar traveled throughout the Midwest to perpetrate a string of robberies at various banks and credit unions, and he allegedly laundered the robbery proceeds through area casinos and bank accounts, according to the affidavit.

Babudar will have his initial court appearance on Friday, July 7 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California in Sacramento, California. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick D. Daly and Stephanie C. Bradshaw.

You can read a full release on the investigation and charges on the Justice Department’s website.

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District attorney drops gun charge against Saints’ Marcus Maye from Sept. 22 arrest

The Jefferson Parish district attorney’s office won’t pursue a gun charge against Saints safety Marcus Maye following his Sept. 2022 arrest, citing insufficient evidence:

The Jefferson Parish district attorney’s office dropped a gun charge against New Orleans Saints safety Marcus Maye following his September 2022 arrest, according to WDSU’s Travers Mackel. District attorney Paul D. Connick Jr.’s office cited insufficient evidence to support the charge of aggravated assault with a firearm that allegedly occurred last summer in a road rage incident.

Maye signed a three-year contract with the Saints last March, which he recently restructured to ensure he’ll be on the team for at least another year (and he’ll likely see the deal through to the end). Though this case has been dismissed, Maye could still be suspended in the fall depending on how a Florida DUI charge dating back to February 2021 is resolved. ESPN’s Katherine Terrell reports that Maye’s next court date in that case is March 29.

Injuries limited Maye to just 10 of 17 games last season, and availability is going to continue to be a question for him.

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