Former Steelers RB Jonathan Dwyer Arrested For Domestic Violence
PITTSBURGH (KDKA/AP) - Arizona Cardinals running back Jonathan Dwyer was arrested Wednesday on aggravated assault charges in connection with two altercations at his home in July involving a woman and an 18-month-old child, the latest in a string of such cases involving NFL players.
The Cardinals said they became aware of the situation on Wednesday and are cooperating with the investigation. Dwyer has been deactivated from all team activities. The NFL said the case will be reviewed under the league's personal-conduct policy.
One of the counts was "aggravated assault causing a fracture" against the 27-year-old victim on July 21.
Neighbors heard a fight and called police, who showed up at the residence. Police Sgt. Trent Crump said Dwyer hid in the bathroom until police left. The next day, Crump said Dwyer snatched the woman's cell phone and threw it from the second floor of their home to prevent her from calling police about another dispute.
The woman came forward last week, providing police with information about her injuries and text messages that indicated Dwyer "was going to harm himself because of what had been going on," police said.
Sports reporter Tyler Baldwin first reported the news Wednesday afternoon.
According to source: Cards RB Johnathan Dwyer was just arrested for domestic violence @azfamily @AZCardinals pic.twitter.com/S9Kh0pgkfT
— TylerBaldwin (@tylerbaldwin) September 17, 2014
The NFL has been rocked by domestic violence issues ever since a videotape surfaced that showed former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice knocking out his then- fiancée in an Atlantic City elevator. Then Minnesota Vikings star running back Adrian Peterson was indicted on child-abuse charges.
Critics have been calling on NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to step down after Rice only received a two-game suspension for the attack before the video emerged.
Dwyer was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the sixth round of the 2010 NFL Draft.
He played college football at Georgia Tech.
Dwyer was released by the Steelers prior to the start of the 2013 season. He signed with the Cardinals in March of last year.
Dwyer, 25, is listed as the No. 2 running back on the Cardinals' depth chart.
He has rushed for 51 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries over two games this season.
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