The Kansas City Chiefs have reportedly barred wide receiver Tyreek Hill from all team activities in the wake of a disturbing audio recording that aired on a local TV station on Thursday night. In the audio clip, Hill's fiancee, Crystal Espinal, accuses Hill of breaking their three-year old son's arm, to which Hill replied, "You need to be terrified of me too, bitch."
Chiefs general manager Brett Veach released the following statement regarding the audio:
"We were deeply disturbed by what we heard [on the recorded conversation]," general manager Brett Veach said. "We were deeply concerned. Now, obviously, we have great concern for [fiancée] Crystal [Espinal]. We are greatly concerned for Tyreek. But our main focus, our main concern, is with the young child."
The audio leak comes just days after Hill and Espinal learned they will not be charged following an investigation into the alleged battery involving their three-year old son. Hill was never listed in the report but Espinal, was listed under "others involved."
On Wednesday, the Johnson County (Kansas) District Attorney's office held a press conference in which District Attorney Stephen M. Howe explained that although he believes a crime occurred, the evidence in the case didn't clearly establish who committed the crime.
"This office has reviewed all the evidence compiled by these agencies and has declined to file charges against Tyreek Hill and Crystal Espinal," Howe said. "We are deeply troubled by this situation and are concerned about the health and welfare of the child in question. We believe a crime has occurred. However, the evidence in this case does not conclusively establish who committed this crime."
Hill issued the following statement on Thursday afternoon, prior to being banned from all team activities.
"I love and support my family above anything. My son’s health and happiness is my #1 priority."
"I want to thank the Kansas City Chiefs, my attorneys, my agent and my union for supporting me through this."
"My focus remains on working hard to be the best person for my family and our community I can be, and the best player to help our team win.”