Over the past few years the NFL has had its fair share of terrible responses to controversy. However, it’s been especially bad when it comes to its players that have been accused of domestic violence. From the incident involving Ray Rice a few years back to incidents in the news recently. Therefore, it was in their best interest to quickly get in front of the situation involving star run-in back Kareem Hunt.
What Went Down
Kareem Hunt has been released by the Kansas City Chiefs today after video footage of the confrontation was released by TMZ sports earlier in the day. This will be a huge blow for the Chiefs as Hunt was a pivotal part of Kansas City’s 3rd ranked offense. Hunt ranked 5th in the NFL in rushing at 824 yards and 7 touchdowns on the ground. He also had 7 receiving touch downs this season. This stunning news broke roughly an hour after the NFL announced he would be added to the Commissioners exempt list. Kansas City management waisted no time in releasing the star running back. The team cited Hunt not being truthful when team questioned him about the incident.
The NFL May Have An Image Problem On It’s Hands
The release of Hunt comes as a huge shock to fans and pundits of the league. Just this week another rising star Reuben Foster was released by the 49ers early Sunday morning. The 49ers released Foster about 12 hours after he was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence at the team hotel of all places. Redskins claimed Foster just days after the release which has garnered a lot of criticism for the move. However, Kansas City was proactive in the move saving themselves from a PR nightmare . Hunt is a highly productive player on one of the leagues best team. There was no way to work around this situation. There are obviously moral implications here with this story that will be examined in depth with the appropriate sensitivity as the time moves forward. However, this is still a football related incident and will effect the product on the field.
Where Do The Chiefs Go From Here
This is a huge loss for Kansas City as they battled for playoff position. This is a team who has Super Bowl aspirations who will be affected by the loss of Hunt. The LA Chargers are hot on the tails of Kansas City and Houston is also another team who has been very hot. New England and Pittsburgh are also teams who have a first round bye in mind. Running back depth will be tested as Spencer Ware is the next man up. Ware is a guy who has experience in Andy Reid system. The Chiefs also have Damien Williams, a 5th year back out of Oklahoma and Darrel Williams, a rookie out of LSU. The depth will be tested as the Chiefs have to move forward without the leading rusher from last season. Only time will tell if Hunt will be given another chance in the NFL.
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