Xavier Worthy, Kansas City Chiefs Wide Receiver, Arrested on Assault Charge in Texas
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy, a highly touted first-round pick from the previous NFL Draft, found himself in legal trouble after being arrested in Texas on Friday. The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office booked Worthy on an assault charge, sending shockwaves through the NFL community. The arrest occurred in a county that encompasses parts of Austin, a city where Worthy achieved significant recognition as a star player for the Texas Longhorns during his collegiate career.
The specific charge leveled against Worthy alleges the assault of a family or household member, with the disturbing detail that the alleged victim’s breathing was restricted. According to Texas law, restricting someone’s breathing constitutes a serious offense. The legal definition specifies that this involves intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly impeding the normal breathing or blood circulation of an individual by applying pressure to their throat or neck, or by obstructing their nose or mouth.
This charge carries severe potential consequences under Texas law, as it is classified as a third-degree felony. If convicted, Worthy could face a prison sentence of up to 10 years. As of Saturday morning, jail records indicated that Worthy had not yet posted bond, leaving him in custody. The available records provided no additional details regarding the circumstances surrounding the arrest, leaving many questions unanswered.
Shortly after news of Worthy’s arrest began to circulate, his legal representatives, attorneys Chip Lewis and Sam Bassett, issued a statement on his behalf. The statement, obtained by The Associated Press, acknowledged their awareness of the allegations that led to Mr. Worthy’s arrest. They emphasized their commitment to working with law enforcement in Williamson County to ensure that they have access to the full context and circumstances surrounding the situation.
In a proactive defense strategy, Worthy’s lawyers asserted that the complainant had refused to leave Worthy’s home despite repeated requests. Moreover, they alleged that the complainant had engaged in extortion attempts against the NFL star and characterized the accusations against their client as "baseless."
The attorneys elaborated on their claims, stating that the complainant had been asked multiple times over the past two weeks to vacate Worthy’s residence after the discovery of her infidelity, which they claimed to have video evidence of through a private investigator. They further alleged that she had refused to leave the residence and had made a number of extortion attempts prior to resorting to what they described as a baseless allegation against Worthy.
According to the statement released by Worthy’s representatives, the situation escalated to include property damage and physical harm to Worthy himself. They asserted that Worthy’s property was damaged, and he sustained bodily harm during the incident. The statement also indicated that Worthy had informed authorities that he did not wish to press charges against the complainant.
The attorneys presented a further narrative of the events, claiming that the complainant had destroyed a room in the residence, scratched Worthy’s face, and ripped out portions of his hair. They stated that photographic evidence exists to support these claims. They reiterated that Worthy had informed law enforcement at the time of the incident that he did not want to press charges against the complainant.
Worthy’s legal team concluded their statement by emphasizing their continued cooperation with Williamson County authorities and expressing their full faith that a thorough investigation would support Mr. Worthy’s innocence.
In response to the news of Worthy’s arrest, the Kansas City Chiefs issued a brief statement to Fox News Digital, stating that they were aware of the situation and were in the process of gathering information. The team’s statement reflected a cautious approach, acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations while refraining from making any definitive judgments pending further investigation.
Worthy’s arrest comes after a promising rookie season with the Chiefs, where he showcased his potential as a dynamic playmaker. He finished the season with 638 receiving yards and six touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to contribute to the team’s offense. He also added three rushing touchdowns, highlighting his versatility as a player. At just 21 years old, Worthy is considered a valuable asset to the Chiefs’ roster. Worthy notably scored two touchdowns during the Chiefs’ 40-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in last month’s Super Bowl, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure on the biggest stage.
The unfolding legal situation surrounding Xavier Worthy has undoubtedly cast a shadow over his promising career and raised questions about his future with the Kansas City Chiefs. As the investigation progresses, the NFL community and fans alike will be closely watching for further developments and the ultimate outcome of the case. The details emerging from both sides of the situation paint a complex picture, emphasizing the importance of allowing the legal process to unfold and determine the truth.
Paulina Dedaj of Fox News and The Associated Press contributed to the initial report.