The Kansas City Chiefs, who pride themselves on filling their football team with players of character, are under fire after electing to draft Tyreek Hill, an ex-Oklahoma State University wide receiver who pleaded guilty in 2014 to choking and punching his pregnant girlfriend.
The move comes at a time when the National Football League is facing increased scrutiny regarding its handling of domestic violence.
Hill was arrested in 2014 after a domestic abuse incident wherein he allegedly punched his girlfriend, who was at that time eight weeks pregnant, in the stomach and face, and choked her. The victim sought medical attention at the emergency room, and reported the incident, after which Hill was arrested. Hill chose to plead guilty to the charges, receiving three years probation as part of a plea agreement. He was also released from the Oklahoma State University football team, where he led the team in all-purpose yards, following his arrest.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid and general manager John Dorsey asked fans Saturday night to “trust” the team’s decision to draft Hill.
“I just want everybody to understand that we have done our due diligence with regards to full vetting each one of our draft-class members,” Dorsey said.
“We uncovered every possible stone that we possibly could, and we feel very comfortable with that part of it,” Reid added, explaining that as part of their vetting process, they spoke extensively with Hill’s ex-teammates. Neither would confirm, however, whether they spoke with the alleged victim as part of the process.
Chiefs fans took to social media to voice their displeasure at the move, citing Hill’s history of domestic violence as their reason for disappointment.
Why was Tyreek Hill eligible to be drafted after what he did?? Domestic violence is NOT ok… https://t.co/3KCwSt7OT4
— Michelle Ehrhorn (@MichelleEhrhorn) April 30, 2016
The NFL has been criticized for high-profile mishandling of domestic violence issues in the past. In 2014, security footage emerged showing Baltimore Raven’s running back Ray Rice knocking out his then-fiancee and dragging her out of an elevator. Despite the video evidence, and criminal charges, the NFL initially only suspended Rice for two games (he was later suspended indefinitely, though was later reinstated after an appeal). Last season, the NFL reinstated defensive end Greg Hardy, despite a history of domestic violence allegations. And just a few weeks ago, Johnny Manziel — former quarterback for the Cleveland Browns — was indicted on domestic violence charges.
If I blast Greg Hardy for being in the league, then I've got to give the same treatment to Tyreek Hill. Embarrassed that our team took him.
— James Vaske (@roljamas) April 30, 2016
Following Rice’s very-public domestic violence incident, the NFL promised to do a better job of handling domestic violence, pledging to spend millions of dollars to fight the issue. But recent incidents call into question the league’s commitment to change.
If the @NFL really cares about ending domestic violence Tyreek Hill wouldn't have been eligible for the draft. Saddened the Hunts allowed it
— Bob Fescoe (@bobfescoe) April 30, 2016
The Chiefs’ selection of Hill is hardly the first controversial pick of this year’s draft. Laremy Tunsil, a offensive tackle from Mississippi, was expected to be one of the first overall picks, but fell to No. 13 after video emerged showing Tunsil smoking marijuana. Tunsil’s fall in the draft drew criticism, as some noted that last year, Jameis Winston was drafted first overall despite allegations that he raped a fellow classmate at Florida State University.