The Kansas City Chiefs have released defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs after he was arrested on animal cruelty and domestic violence charges in Alabama.
The Kansas City Chiefs have released defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs following his recent arrests on animal cruelty and domestic violence charges in Alabama.
The NFL Network first reported the Chiefs' decision to cut Buggs on Monday. The team had signed him to their practice squad in January and re-signed him to a futures contract in February.
Kansas City Chiefs Release Isaiah Buggs Following Animal Cruelty and Domestic Violence Arrests
Buggs has faced numerous startling allegations since the end of May.
On May 30, he turned himself in to authorities in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, on animal cruelty charges. The Tuscaloosa Police Department said two dogs were found "seriously malnourished" and emaciated" on March 28 on the back porch of a house Buggs had rented, according to court documents.
Kansas City Chiefs Release Isaiah Buggs Following Animal Cruelty and Domestic Violence Arrests
A neighbor told police that a pitbull and a Rottweiler mix were left there for at least 10 days and had no access to food or water. Buggs moved out of the house on March 19, according to a witness.
Trey Robinson, Buggs' agent, said in May that his client "vehemently denies" the allegations and the dogs didn't belong to him.
Kansas City Chiefs Release Isaiah Buggs Following Animal Cruelty and Domestic Violence Arrests
Earlier this month, Buggs was arrested on a domestic violence/burglar charge in Tuscaloosa. He allegedly broke into the home of his child's mother and dragged her down the stairs.
Buggs was approached by a reporter after he posted bond but didn't answer any questions about the arrest.
Buggs never appeared in a game for the Chiefs. He has played in 56 career games from 2019 to 2023 with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Detroit Lions.
The Chiefs' decision to release Buggs comes after a series of off-field incidents involving their players. In March, wide receiver Tyreek Hill was traded to the Miami Dolphins after he was accused of punching his pregnant girlfriend and breaking her arm. In April, running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire was arrested on a misdemeanor marijuana possession charge.
The Chiefs are hoping to put these incidents behind them and focus on the upcoming season. They are one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl this year, and they will need all hands on deck to make a deep playoff run.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
