SEATTLE — Seahawks backup offensive lineman Chad Wheeler is no longer with the team after he was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence.
The Seahawks said in a statement Wednesday they are “saddened” by the details emerging around the case and “strongly condemn this act of domestic violence.” They also urged Wheeler to “get the help he needs.”
“Our thoughts and support are with the victim,” the Seahawks said in a statement.
Wheeler was set to become a restricted free agent when free agency begins March 17.
After the Seahawks' announcement, Wheeler apologized on Twitter for the "pain and suffering" he caused and said the events "transpired from a manic episode."
"It is time for me to walk away from football and get the help I need to never again pose a threat to another," Wheeler tweeted. "I cannot express my sorrow or remorse enough. I am truly ashamed."
He is accused of domestic violence after his girlfriend was found beaten on Jan. 22.
Kent police were called to an apartment around 9:40 p.m. for a domestic dispute. A friend of Wheeler's girlfriend called 911 to report she was locked in a bathroom after a physical fight, according to a police report.
Wheeler's girlfriend then called 911 and was "heard breathing heavily" as she said "she was being 'killed,'" according to the police report.
When officers arrived, they could hear a female screaming. They forced their way into the apartment - and then the bathroom - to find Wheeler and his girlfriend there. Police pulled Wheeler's girlfriend out of the bathroom and eventually detained Wheeler after he "did not comply," according to the police report.
After being detained, Wheeler was "yelling 'Sorry!' repeatedly and heard crying out, 'I don't beat women!'" according to the police report.
Seattle signed him to its practice squad October 2019. He played in five games for the Seahawks this season.
