NFL Rookie Commits DV. Wait. NFL Rookie Does Not Commit DV.
Innocent until proven guilty has been a foundation of criminal law for centuries for a good reason: What we first hear isn’t always true. A recent case involving an NFL rookie shows just how important it is to avoid rushing to judgment.
The facts and circumstances of domestic violence cases can be especially difficult to unravel. Cases can often hinge on each partner’s version of events. In some situations, one partner may have a flexible definition of the truth or use allegations of domestic violence as a form of blackmail.
What people hear first isn’t always the truth, and that can be especially damaging for domestic violence cases. The LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team supports our clients to fight allegations and protect their reputation and future. Call us at 888-535-3686 or fill out our online form.
A Randomly Shifting Series of Events
News that Xavier Worthy, a wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs, had been involved in a domestic assault incident first went public on March 8. At one point that Saturday, news of his arrest for third-degree felony assault charges was the top trending topic on Twitter and the top story on the NFL subreddit.
While some suggested taking a wait-and-see approach, most commenters rushed to judgment. Many comments fell along the line that he’s an NFL player, so of course he would abuse someone.
By that evening, the Williamson County, Texas, DA announced that the county would not be pursuing the case. Worthy was fully cooperating with the investigation.
Worthy’s representatives stated that the woman Worthy had allegedly abused – later identified as Tia Jones, his former fiancée – had refused to leave his house for the past two weeks. They stated that she’d caused damage to the house, physically assaulted Worthy, and had been attempting to extort Worthy.
Both parties filed for protective orders, although Worthy declined to press criminal charges against Jones. Worthy also filed a lawsuit against Jones on March 24. The lawsuit accused Jones of assaulting Worthy and causing over $150,000 in property damage.
On April 8, the two announced they had reached an agreement and were dropping all cases against each other. Representatives for both sides stated that the matter was settled.
Allegations Aren’t Facts
Evidence is crucial for both proving and disproving allegations of domestic violence. Worthy was fortunate because he’d been documenting interactions between the two of them, as well as his injuries and property damage, ahead of the alleged assault.
As this case suggested, individuals may sometimes claim to be domestic violence victims as a way to extort or blackmail the other person. This can be done for financial gain or to win a favorable child custody agreement.
Worthy’s case also shows that even when accusations of domestic violence are later proven to be inaccurate, an individual may still be arrested or have a protective order taken out against them. As a public figure, Worthy also had to deal with negative articles and stories about him.
Protect Your Reputation
Xavier Worthy was lucky. Charges were quickly dropped, and the situation resolved itself in a month.
For many, allegations of domestic violence can drag on for months. They may not have evidence to disprove the allegations against them. They may be dealing with someone willing to lie about what happened to gain some benefit.
If you’re facing accusations of domestic violence, contact the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team. Call us at 888-535-3686 or fill out our online form.