Now this is a shocking piece of news on a Friday morning.
Today we’ve learned that the NFL will not suspend Chiefs’ star receiver, Tyreek Hill. The news comes after a four month investigation into Hill’s family situation, which included allegations of child abuse.
“Based on the evidence presently available, the NFL cannot conclude that Mr. Hill violated the Personal Conduct Policy.” read the NFL’s statement.
The investigation seemed to be headed to what most assumed would be a suspension, but then an audio recording of a conversation between Hill and his fiancee, Crystal Espinal, was leaked to a TV station, and that might have played into the NFL’s decision rendered today.
Ironically, the DA believes that a crime did, in fact, occur.
“This office has reviewed all the evidence and has declined to file charges against Tyreek Hill and Crystal Espinal,” said Johnson County District Attorney Stephe Howe. “We are deeply troubled by the situation. We believe a crime has occurred; however, the evidence in this case doesn’t establish who committed a crime.”
The team was “hopeful” that he wouldn’t be suspended, but were likely bracing for a four-game suspension, so today’s news probably has the organization exhaling this morning.
Below is the NFL’s full statement on the situation:
Over the past four months, we have conducted a comprehensive investigation of allegations regarding Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill. Throughout this investigation, the NFL’s primary concern has been the well-being of the child. Our understanding is that the child is safe and that the child’s ongoing care is being directed and monitored by the Johnson County District Court and the Johnson County Department for Children and Families.
In conducting our investigation, we have taken great care to ensure that we do not interfere with the county’s proceedings or compromise the privacy or welfare of the child in any way. The information developed in the court proceeding is confidential and has not been shared with us, and the court has sealed all law enforcement records. Local law enforcement authorities have publicly advised that the available evidence does not permit them to determine who caused the child’s injuries.
Similarly, based on the evidence presently available, the NFL cannot conclude that Mr. Hill violated the Personal Conduct Policy. Accordingly, he may attend Kansas City’s training camp and participate in all club activities. He has been and will continue to be subject to conditions set forth by the District Court, Commissioner Goodell, and the Chiefs, which include clinical evaluation and therapeutic intervention.
If further information becomes available through law enforcement, the pending court proceeding, or other sources, we will promptly consider it and take all appropriate steps at that time.
We’ll keep you updated here on any developments in this story.
