NFL’s Chad Wheeler thought he choked girlfriend to death, kept eating food
The Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle was arrested on suspicion of felony domestic violence.
Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle Chad Wheeler was arrested on Saturday (Jan. 24) for suspicion of felony domestic violence, multiple outlets have reported. According to a police report obtained by The Seattle Times, Wheeler is accused of strangling and beating his girlfriend after demanding that she bow to him.
Police found Wheeler’s girlfriend hiding in a bathroom after a “physical fight” with the NFL player at an apartment in Kent. During her 911 call, she said she was being “killed” and that Wheeler had dislocated her arm.
A photo of a woman with a bloodied face — allegedly Wheeler’s girlfriend — began to make rounds on social media on Wednesday (Jan. 27). Text messages that she had allegedly sent also said that Wheeler had been surprised she’d survived his attack.
“What was most terrifying was how cold he was,” one alleged text read. “He thought I was dead on my bed and continued to eat dinner. When I ran into the bathroom, he said, ‘Wow, you’re still alive’ while sipping on a smoothie.”
Wheeler, who is listed as 6’7” and 310 pounds, was released from the King County Jail on Tuesday (Jan. 26) on a $400,000 bond. Later in the day, the Seahawks issued a brief statement to ESPN about his arrest, saying they were “aware of the situation and still gathering information.”
Many took to Twitter to point out that Wheeler’s arrest wasn’t covered by ESPN or major sports outlets until Tuesday; three days after his arrest.
“Dear [NFL, ESPN] (An all other news/sports outlets) U Should Be Embarrassed. I’ve Been Watchin ESPN All Morning & Y’all Haven’t Said One Thing About Chad Wheeler Arrested For Beaten Up His GF. An This Happen Monday Night & It Still Ain’t News!!” Plies tweeted, adding, “#ItsTwoDifferentAmericas.”
“Chad Wheeler of the [Seahawks] tried to kill his girlfriend because she wouldn’t bow to him. He was even surprised at her survival,” former linebacker Emmanuel Acho added. “If you’re not outraged, you’re part of the problem. [NFL] handle this swiftly & decisively.”
According to The Seattle Times, Wheeler is due back in court today for a probable cause hearing. Back in 2015, Wheeler was also detained by police while a student-athlete at USC for punching walls and windows while under the influence.