Wheeler charged with violent attack
Former USC offensive lineman Chad Wheeler was charged Wednesday with first-degree domestic violence assault, domestic violence unlawful imprisonment and resisting arrest after allegedly choking his girlfriend until she lost consciousness.
Wheeler played the last two seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, who released a statement condemning domestic violence and explaining that Wheeler, scheduled to be a restricted free agent this offseason, would no longer be a part of the team.
Court documents allege that Wheeler told his girlfriend to stand up and bow to him.
When she refused, Wheeler, a 6-foot-7, 310pound offensive tackle, allegedly attempted to choke her with one hand while smothering her with his other hand, causing her to lose consciousness.
When she regained consciousness, Wheeler expressed surprise that she was alive, the court documents said. She locked herself in the bathroom and called 911. Officers responded and found Wheeler, who had picked the lock to the bathroom.
He was booked early Saturday morning and released Tuesday after posting $400,000 bail.
His arraignment is scheduled for Feb. 9.
On Wednesday afternoon, in his first public comments since his arrest, Wheeler called the incident “a manic episode” and said in a Twitter post that he was “deeply sorry for the pain and suffering that I have caused.”
Wheeler said that he would “walk away from football and get the help I need to never again pose a threat to another.”
— Ryan Kartje
David Culley was hired as the coach of the Houston Texans, a person familiar with the hiring told the Associated Press.
The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the hiring hasn’t been announced.
It will be the first head coaching job for the 65-yearold Culley, who has worked as an assistant for the Baltimore Ravens since 2019.
He becomes the fourth coach in Texans history, replacing Bill O’Brien, who was fired after the team opened the season 0-4.
After 17 seasons, Jason Witten is retiring from the NFL. He intends to sign a one-day contract and retire as a member of the Dallas Cowboys in March when his contract with the Las Vegas Raiders expires at the end of the league year . ... The NFL selected three people who have served during the COVID-19 pandemic as honorary captains for the Super Bowl along with inaugural poet Amanda Gorman for an original poem. Commissioner Roger Goodell announced that educator Trimaine Davis, nurse manager Suzie Dorner and Marine veteran James Martin will take part in the coin toss on Feb. 7 in Tampa, Fla.