The King County (Washington) Prosecuting Attorney's Office on Wednesday filed three charges against former Seattle Seahawks offensive lineman Chad Wheeler. Wheeler has been charged with first-degree domestic violence assault, domestic violence unlawful imprisonment and resisting arrest, according to King County Superior Court clerk documents obtained by NFL Media.
Wheeler, who bonded out on $400,000 bail from King County Correctional Facility on Tuesday, was arrested over the weekend on suspicion of felony domestic violence.
According to a Kent Police report, the alleged victim was attacked by Wheeler Friday night after he asked her to stand up and bow to him. When she declined, Wheeler allegedly grabbed her by the neck and threw her on the bed, per the report. Wheeler then proceeded to strangle the victim and at one point he removed one of his hands to press it against the victim's mouth and nose "trying to stop her from breathing as he continued to strangle her with his other hand."
Wheeler also allegedly grabbed the victim's left arm at one point and twisted it to prevent her from fighting back. The victim eventually lost consciousness, per the report, and after she came to, Wheeler allegedly said, "Wow you're alive?" The victim then locked herself in the bathroom to call family and authorities.
Per police, the victim had "noticeable fingerprints on both sides of her neck as well as capillaries that had burst at the back of her throat." Her left elbow also was swollen and deformed.
Wheeler was waived by the Seahawks on Wednesday, per the league's transaction wire.
"The Seahawks are saddened by the details emerging against Chad Wheeler and strongly condemn domestic violence," the team said in a statement Wednesday. "Our thoughts and support are with the victim. Chad is a free agent and no longer with the team. If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages."
"We encourage Chad to get the help he needs. If you are experiencing mental health issues, please reach out for help. For immediate help with a mental health crisis or thoughts of suicide: contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (TRS: 1-800-799-4889)."
Wheeler issued a statement via Twitter on Wednesday afternoon in which he apologized for his actions, calling them a "manic episode" and stated that he was seeking help.
"Events happened over the weekend that transpired from a manic episode. I am deeply sorry for the pain and suffering that I have caused to Alleah and her family," Wheeler's Twitter thread began. "I apologize profusely for the turmoil that I have caused to my family, teammates, fans and those closest to me. The most important thing right now is that Alleah gets the care she needs and I get help. Both are happening.
"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."
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported the league is currently reviewing the matter under its personal-conduct policy. Wheeler, who appeared in five games this past season in Seattle, was scheduled to be a restricted free agent.
