Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy found himself in a troubling situation when he was arrested on a domestic assault charge in Georgetown, Texas. The arrest, which occurred on Friday, has sent shockwaves through the football community and beyond.
Worthy, a rising star at just 21 years old, is facing a serious third-degree felony assault charge of impeding the breathing of a family or household member. This charge, as reported by CBS News affiliate KCTV, involves intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly impeding the normal breathing or circulation of the blood of the individual in question. The gravity of the charge is reflected in the potential sentence of two to 10 years in prison, according to the Associated Press.
While details surrounding the incident that led to Worthy’s arrest are still scarce, his attorneys, Chip Lewis and Sam Bassett, were quick to defend him. In a statement to CBS News, they asserted Worthy’s innocence, claiming that the allegation stemmed from a woman who had been living in his Texas home. The statement painted a picture of a tumultuous situation, with the woman allegedly refusing to leave despite being asked multiple times due to her infidelity. The attorneys further alleged that the woman had engaged in extortive behavior before leveling the accusations against Worthy.
The situation took a physical turn, with claims that the complainant had caused damage to the residence, scratched Worthy’s face, and pulled out parts of his hair. Despite this, Worthy reportedly expressed a reluctance to press charges against the woman at the time of the incident.
In the wake of these troubling events, both the Kansas City Chiefs and the NFL have been drawn into the fray. CBS News reached out to the Chiefs for comment, while an NFL spokesperson confirmed that the league was aware of the matter and in communication with the team.
Worthy’s football career has been on an upward trajectory, with his selection in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft and notable performances in his rookie season. His stats, including 59 receptions for 638 yards, 104 rushing yards, and nine total touchdowns, highlight his potential as a standout player. During the playoffs, he emerged as the team’s leading receiver, culminating in an appearance in the Super Bowl against the Philadelphia Eagles in New Orleans.
Born in Fresno, California, Worthy honed his skills at the University of Texas before making the leap to the NFL. The fact that these events unfolded in Williamson County, which encompasses parts of Austin, adds another layer of complexity to an already intricate situation.
As the sports world grapples with the fallout from Worthy’s arrest, the case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and controversies that can accompany the glitz and glamour of professional athletics. The unfolding drama surrounding one of the NFL’s rising stars underscores the importance of accountability and integrity both on and off the field.
