NFL cornerback, former TCU star found not guilty of assault
Former Minnesota Vikings cornerback Jeff Gladney was found not guilty of a felony assault charge on Thursday. The former first round selection out of TCU is currently a free agent, missing the 2021 NFL season after being released August 3rd, 2021 following the indictment for the aforementioned incident.
“A Dallas jury found former Minnesota Vikings cornerback Jeff Gladney not guilty on a felony assault charge Thursday,” wrote ESPN. “The verdict was unanimous, according to online court records.”
After the jury came to their decision, Gladney’s agents released a statement.
“This has been a challenging time for Jeff mentally, spiritually and athletically,” Gladney’s agents, Brian E. Overstreet and Rodney Williams, said in a statement, according to the Pro Football Network, per ESPN. “So, we applaud Jeff for having the courage to stand and fight for his freedom versus these false allegations.”
Moreover, the former TCU star was arrested in April 2021 in Dallas after allegedly assaulting a former girlfriend. At the time, Gladney was charged with domestic violence by impeding breathing after allegedly “intentionally, knowingly and recklessly” causing bodily injury and applying pressure to the woman’s neck and throat, according to ESPN.
“The altercation grew out of an argument and took place over a span of more than two hours, according to a lawsuit the woman filed last year against Gladney,” wrote ESPN. “She also alleged in the suit that he tried to bribe her and intimidate her into keeping quiet.”
Additionally, ESPN mentions that if Gladney had been convicted, he could have been sentenced to up to 10 years in prison.
“Unfortunately, Jeff has lost a year of his career,” Overstreet and Williams said in their statement, per ESPN. “We sincerely hope that the NFL will take a page from the criminal justice system going forward and truly believe these guys are innocent until proven guilty.
“Today, Jeff is in a good place and we look forward to engaging with NFL teams about furthering his career at the appropriate time. Out of respect for the process, we will have no further comments at this time.”
During his lone season in the NFL, Jeff Gladney started 15 games for the Vikings. The former first round selection out of TCU finished his rookie season with 81 total tackles, three passes defensed and one forced fumble. Now, Gladney could look to return to the league after losing a year of his career to clear his name.