Tyreek Hill releases statement, did not plead the Fifth
Tyreek Hill learned Wednesday he would not face charges in the investigation into the alleged battery of his son. Thursday, Hill released a statement.
On Wednesday, the Johnson County (KS) District Attorney’s Office announced that it would not be pressing charges against Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill. The office had been investigating an allegation of battery against Hill’s 3-year-old son.
On Thursday, Hill released a statement through his attorney. In the statement, he indicated that his priority was on protecting his family and on the safety and well-being of his son. He stated that he was focused on being the best person he could be.
Hill’s attorney also indicated that Tyreek did not invoke his Fifth Amendment rights, meaning that he spoke with investigators, the district attorney’s office and the Department of Children and Family Services.
This statement contradicts earlier reports that Hill was not speaking to investigators about the investigation or the incident related to the police reports.
The investigation began as a result of police reports filed initially on March 5 and March 14. The police report cited Hill and his fiancee, Crystal Espinal, as other people present when the initial incident occurred.
It was reported that the couple’s son had broken his arm in an incident at the time.
The text of Thursday’s statement reads as follows, according to the Kansas City Star:
"My son’s health and happiness is my number one priority,” he said in the statement provided to The Star. “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."
Attorneys for Hill released the statement and further commented, saying that their client has maintained from the beginning that he was “innocent of any crime.” The attorneys — Trey Pettlon, Ryan Ginie and Julius Collins — also said Hill has been working with authorities.
“Contrary to some media reports, Tyreek cooperated with law enforcement, waived his Fifth Amendment rights, and answered questions from both law enforcement and DCF (Department for Children and Families),” the attorneys said in the release. “Unfortunately, due to laws related to confidentiality, as much as he would like to, he cannot comment regarding specific allegations.”