SEATTLE Seahawks player Chad Wheeler has been hit with domestic violence charges after he allegedly attacked his girlfriend when she refused to "bow down to him".
Wheeler, 27, was held in King County Jail on Monday night after he was accused of assaulting his girlfriend at a home in Kent, Washington.
A report from Kent Police Department alleged that the incident began when Wheeler asked the victim to bow to him and when she did not he grabbed her and threw her on a bed, The Seattle Times reports.
The girlfriend, whose name has not been released publicly, called the cops and said that she was being "killed" on the night of the arrest.
Court documents alleged that Wheeler "strangled, suffocated and beat the victim into unconsciousness – twice – both times leaving her for dead as blood poured from her nose and mouth and into her stomach and lungs".
Text messages allegedly sent by Wheeler’s girlfriend claimed he was "cold" and that "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,” the text message continues.
According to the police report, Wheeler did not cooperate initially, until he was arrested.
Court records show the 6ft 7in and 310lb offensive lineman was booked into the King County Correctional Facility in Seattle at 1:19am on Saturday.
Shocking images allegedly of the girlfriend circulated online showing her with a bloody nose at a hospital.
PUBLIC APOLOGY
On Wednesday afternoon, Wheeler wrote three tweets apologizing to his girlfriend and announcing he was stepping away from the NFL.
“Events happened over the weekend that transpired from a manic episode,” Wheeler tweeted.
“I am deeply sorry for the pain and suffering that I have caused to Alleah and her family.”
Wheeler said: “I apologize profusely for the turmoil” he caused to his family, teammates, fans and those closest to him.
“The most important thing right now is that Alleah gets the care she needs and I get help,” the backup offensive tackle tweeted, adding, “Both are happening.”
In his final tweet, Wheeler said, “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,” he concluded.
His bail was set at $40,000 on Monday and was ordered not to have contact with the alleged victim.
In a statement Monday night, the Seahawks said, “We are aware of the situation and still gathering information.”
On Wednesday afternoon, shortly before Wheeler tweeted, Seahawks public relations posted a statement revealing he was no longer a part of the organization.
“The Seahawks are saddened by the details emerging against Chad Wheeler and strongly condemn this act of domestic violence. Our thoughts and support are with the victim,” the statement read.
“Chad is a free agent and no longer with the team.”
The Seahawks also stated they “encourage Chad to get the help he needs” and provided numbers for the National Domestic Violence Hotline and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
The Seahawks signed Wheeler in 2019 and he played five games last season and is currently a restricted free agent.
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