A former NFL player is set to spend close to the next seven years in prison on the back of a second-degree assault/domestic violence conviction, according to ESPN.
Chad Wheeler, a former offensive lineman for the Giants and Seahawks, was accused of having strangled his girlfriend to the point of unconsciousness on two occasions during a 2021 incident. He is also said to have been surprised when she woke up the second time.
A jury determined that Wheeler “used force or means likely to result in death” that should have earned him a minimum of 60 months in jail. Prosecutors asked the court for a 108-month sentence, but he was given 81 months, as well as 36 months of probation.
Wheeler apologized to his now-former girlfriend Alleah Taylor via social media.
“Events happened over the weekend that transpired from a manic episode,” he wrote. “I am deeply sorry for the pain and suffering that I have caused to Alleah and her family.”
“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.”
Taylor sustained a fractured humerus and dislocated injury during the altercation.
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Wheeler was with the Seahawks at the time of the incident and was promptly released by the team following his arrest.
