Model says Foerster issued threat to her
Nige says she released video to spotlight inequality.
Kijuana Nige says ex-Dolphins assistant coach used her as his “cocaine platter,” said he’d turn her in if she released video.
The Las Vegas model who apparently released the now-infamous video that led to the resignation of Miami Dolphins offensive line coach Chris Foerster spoke to ESPN on Wednesday about her reasoning, among other topics.
Kijuana Nige joined Dan Le Batard and Stugotz on ESPN Radio and said Foerster threatened to turn her in to the Dolphins’ security team if she released the video. Nige also implied she feared for her safety after Foerster threatened her after coming down off an alleged high.
“Before he could do anything to me, I felt that needed to be exposed. Just in case I somehow pop up dead, that story was still going to get out,” Nige told ESPN.
Nige said she met Foerster in California the week before the Dolphins played the Los Angeles Chargers on Sept. 17, sparking a relationship built around drugs.
“He did mention he wanted to party. We met multiple times. Chris Foerster used me as his cocaine platter. ... I was dating him,” she told ESPN.
The video she released, which features Foerster appearing to snort a white substance, was recorded by Foerster from his desk at the Dolphins headquarters within the last week, according to Nige. She also claimed he kept drugs in a desk drawer at the facility.
“Doesn’t matter if they’re in Miami or London or New York. I was invited everywhere they went. Everywhere they went, he sent me other footage. That is not the only piece of footage. That’s just the tip of the iceberg. He was doing it at his desk. He was at his Miami office,” Nige told ESPN.
Nige cited lies as the main factor that deteriorated her relationship with Foerster after he allegedly told her he wanted to marry her and have children with her. She also doubled down on her message that releasing the incriminating video helps highlight inequalities in the NFL, claiming she intends to release at least one other photo or video in the future.
“My motive was to basically expose the inequalities in the system,” she told ESPN. “It’s not just the NFL. The inequalities that come with being a minority compared with a white privileged person in America in general. This is shining a light on the inequalities we have as a country. We don’t get paid the same amount as everyone else.”
Meanwhile, the Dolphins say they will help Foerster get whatever help he needs.
Turning to tight end Anthony Fasano might be a prudent start for Foerster.
Fasano helped start Next Chapter, an addiction and trauma treatment center in Delray Beach. While he isn’t a therapist, instead focusing on the business aspects of the operation during the offseason, Fasano has had a close-up view of how difficult kicking drug addiction can be. He was inspired to open the center in 2015 after seeing a relative fight to kick drugs years ago.
Despite Fasano’s experience with the issue, his reaction to seeing the viral video of Foerster snorting a white powder was similar to that of many on the team.
“Just kind of shocked,” Fasano said. “I had a good experience with him, and I wish him the best and speedy recovery, and we’re here to support him however we can.”
On Monday, Foerster said he took “full responsibility” for his actions.
“My sole focus is on getting the help that I need with the support of my family and medical professionals,” Foerster said in his statement.
It’s not known if the substance in the video was cocaine or a prescribed drug, or if Foerster fits the clinical definition of an addict. But in the video, Foerster does refer to having gotten high before.
Beating addiction is a challenge for anyone, Fasano said.
“Just from the numbers, I know it’s tough,” Fasano said. “With the amount of relapses that go on, even after rehab, it’s a lot.”
Fasano said he could not speculate on Foerster’s future in part because he does not have enough information, but also because each case is unique.
Fasano doubted addiction is more prevalent in the NFL than in general.
“I would say we’re probably even an outlier where we have less than the general population because of the care — we need to take care of ourselves, and our bodies are our jobs,” Fasano said. “I would say less, but there’s normal civilians all in this locker room, too, and we’re subject to the same childhood and life pressures as everybody.”
Coach Adam Gase gave a vague answer Monday when asked if he had any indication Foerster had problems, and Wednesday he was pressed on whether the behavior depicted in the video was more widespread in his building than merely one assistant coach.
“I don’t. To me, it was an isolated incident,” he said. “Really, that’s the best answer I can give you. A lot of people are just a little surprised.”