Seahawks say Chad Wheeler ‘no longer with the team’ after arrest on suspicion of felony domestic violence

SEATTLE — Chad Wheeler, a backup offensive lineman for the Seattle Seahawks for parts of the past two seasons, will not be back with the team in 2021 following an arrest over the weekend on suspicion of felony domestic violence, the team confirmed Wednesday.

Wheeler was arrested early Saturday morning following an incident in Kent that left his girlfriend with an injured arm and injuries to her face for which she was taken to Valley Medical Center.

Wheeler bonded out of King County jail Tuesday after bail was set at $400,000 and has a probable cause hearing scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.

The Seahawks on Monday released a statement saying they were aware of the situation and gathering more information.

But on Wednesday, the team made clear Wheeler will not be back in 2021.

“The Seahawks are saddened by the details emerging against Chad Wheeler and strongly condemn this act of domestic violence,” the statement read. “Our thoughts and support are with the victim. Chad is a free agent and no longer with the team.”

Seahawks’ statement on OT Chad Wheeler: pic.twitter.com/G9I0iDiqLz

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 27, 2021

Wheeler, 27, is officially a restricted free agent, meaning the Seahawks would have to tender him an offer to keep him. The statement makes clear the team will not do that.

Because Wheeler is a free agent, however, he cannot be cut, as that means he is already not part of the team anymore. However, players do not officially become free agents until the new league year begins on March 17.

The Seahawks had continued to list Wheeler on their roster until Wednesday, as they typically do with all free agents until the new league year begins. But as of Wednesday morning, Wheeler was no longer listed on the roster.

An NFL spokesman confirmed to The Seattle Times that the league is also reviewing the case under the league’s personal conduct policy.

Wheeler played in five games for the Seahawks in 2020 as a reserve offensive tackle and had been with the team since Oct. 2019 when he was signed to the practice squad.

The Seahawks’ statement also included information for those who may be experiencing domestic violence as well as mental health issues.

“We encourage Chad to get the help he needs,” the team’s statement read.

Chad Wheeler is someone completely different than my roommate and brother at SC, and today I had to come to terms with that. What he did was heartbreaking, and I will never forgive...

My thoughts, and prayers go out to the victim. She and her health should be the upmost priority

— Zach Banner (@ZBNFL) January 27, 2021

According to a Kent Police Department report, Wheeler had been on medication for bi-polar disorder but had not taken it of late.

The report said police responded to a call of a woman who was locked in a bathroom as a result of a “physical fight” with her boyfriend.

The victim had called 911 to state that she was being “killed.” Police were advised that she had suffered a dislocated arm and was bleeding.

According to the report, when officers arrived they could hear screaming from inside the apartment, and after forcing their way in, they heard more screaming from a bathroom. They forced their way in to the bathroom and found the victim and Wheeler. He was standing beside her, the report said.

Wheeler initially was uncooperative before being detained, the report said, and he did not speak to officers.

Wheeler is 6-foot-7 and 310 pounds, and the victim is 5-9 and 145 pounds, the report said.

The report said the incident began when Wheeler asked the victim to bow to him, and when she did not he grabbed her and threw her on a bed.

The report said Wheeler then strangled the victim before she lost consciousness. The report also said when she regained consciousness, Wheeler was standing near the bed and said, “Wow you’re alive?”

Chad Wheeler of the @Seahawks tried to kill his girlfriend because she wouldn’t bow to him. He was even surprised at her survival.

If you’re not outraged, you’re part of the problem. @NFL handle this swiftly & decisively. pic.twitter.com/R2IF1HwMow

— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) January 27, 2021

The victim then ran into the bathroom where she called 911 and family, according to the report. Wheeler picked the lock on the door and entered before officers arrived.