Chad Wheeler, former offensive tackle for the Seahawks, is in legal trouble. According to reports he strangled his girlfriend to the point of unconsciousness, left her on their bed with no medical attention, and resisted arrest when police arrived to their Washington apartment.
According to the victim, all this transpired when Wheeler "snapped into a dark place" during a manic episode (for which he was not taking medication) and ordered that she bow down to him. She refused, and he threw her onto the bed. Charging documents specify that the defendant "forced his fingers into the victim’s mouth and down her throat, and then crushed his hand down over her nose and mouth, all while continuing to squeeze her throat with his other hand."
The victim passed out and regained consciousness, then lost it again and woke back up alone on their bed. According to her, Wheeler continued to eat dinner while he thought she was dead. When he came back into the bedroom and saw her awake, he said "Oh, you're still alive?" in calm surprise. She managed to lock herself in the bathroom and send out texts to her family (as well as Wheeler's father) urging them to call 911. She then tried to leave out of a second door in the bathroom, but Wheeler forced himself in and began apologizing profusely.
Wheeler was non-compliant in the arrest and required the use of a taser to detain him, which had little effect according to officers. The victim was found with a broken and dislocated arm, and bruises on her neck. Prosecuting attorneys say she vomited large amounts of blood the day after this attack.
After the attack and subsequent arrest, Wheeler took to twitter, 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 Alleah and her family. I apologize profusely for the turmoil that I have caused to my family, teammates, fans and those closest to me. The most important thing right now is that Alleah 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."
Disciplinary action from the NFL.
The Seattle Seahawks' response was almost immediate, changing Wheeler into a free agent and removing him from their roster. They released this statement:
Not many players have commented directly on the incident but KC Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce was asked about his reaction. “To be honest, it’s disgusting. I don’t even want to talk about it," he said, "It has nothing to do with the NFL. It’s ridiculous that a guy like that even had a job."
Zach Banner, offensive tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers and former roommate/teammate of Wheeler at University of Southern California, tweeted: “Chad Wheeler is someone completely different than my roommate and brother at SC, and today I had to come to terms with that. What he did was heartbreaking, and I will never forgive. My thoughts, and prayers go out to the victim. She and her health should be the upmost priority.”
Proceedings.
The King County prosecutor's office charged him with the following:
first-degree domestic violence assault
domestic violence
unlawful imprisonment
resisting arrest.
The defendant made his 400k bail and will have a hearing on February 11 before the official trial begins April 6. His request to stay at his Hawaii home until the trial was denied, per objection by the victim, who does not feel safe with him out of custody. Wheeler has been ordered to stay in Washington and wear a home monitoring device.