The NFL news cycle has featured plenty of off-the-field storylines this offseason. The Kansas City Chiefs in particular have been the subject of a handful of these stories. Chiefs defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs is the latest player to face legal troubles.
According to reporting by Patch News, the former Alabama player has been accused of animal cruelty in Tuscaloosa. Tuscaloosa Patch acquired civil documents that were filed today in Tuscaloosa County District Court.
Everything started when Tuscaloosa Police Department received a call about two dogs being left out on a back porch at a property Buggs was renting. Upon inspection, officers and animal control found two dogs that were living in severe conditions that included no access to food or water. The animals were seized on March 28th and were “malnourished, emaciated and neglected.”
The residence reportedly appeared abandoned at the time.
The house in question is owned by Omega Reality Group but was being rented out to Buggs. Police have also confirmed that Buggs' lease was terminated on April 15th due to owing more than $3,000 in back rent.
Police tried to reach Buggs on March 28th but were unsuccessful. Two misdemeanor warrants have since been obtained. Therefore, Buggs is expected to face misdemeanor criminal charges in the case.
Isaiah Buggs was a prominent player on Alabama's 2018 national championship team. He has bounced around to multiple teams throughout his NFL career. His career was revived a few years ago with the Detroit Lions, where he eventually earned a two-year contract extension.
Buggs was eventually cut in Detroit but ended up on the Chiefs practice squad last season and was on the team for their Super Bowl run.
He signed a reserve/futures contract with the Chiefs earlier this offseason.
Rashee Rice, Harrison Butker have also made offseason headlines for off-the-field issues
Two other Chiefs have made headlines this offseason for off-the-field issues.
We'll start with wide receiver Rashee Rice. The young wide receiver has faced the possibility of two legal battles this offseason — one related to a multi-car accident and another over an alleged assault in Dallas.
Rice faces eight felony charges for his involvement in the March car accident incident. However, he may be off the hook for the alleged assault. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that the photographer who accused Rice of punching him in the face outside of a nightclub has withdrawn his complaint and wants all charges dropped.
Rice is back with the Chiefs for OTAs despite the legal proceedings hanging in the air. According to his attorney, he is fully cooperating with authorities.
There was also Harrison Butker's controversial commencement speech. The Chiefs kicker spoke at the commencement ceremony for Benedictine College in Kansas and sparked a national outrage. His speech featured several controversial opinions, including comments on the role women should play in society.
A laundry list of NFL figures have commented on Butker's controversial speech.
The NFL released a statement shortly after Butker's comments hit the news cycle.
“Harrison Butker gave a speech in his personal capacity,” Jonathan Beane, the NFL’s senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer, told People magazine in a written statement, per Yahoo Sports. “His views are not those of the NFL as an organization. The NFL is steadfast in our commitment to inclusion, which only makes our league stronger.”
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