Atlanta Falcons Ra’Shede Hageman charged in domestic violence case
The NFL is currently investigating Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Ra’Shede Hageman, who was involved in a domestic violence case back in March and charged with three misdemeanors.
Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn confirmed on Monday that defensive lineman Ra’Shede Hageman is now facing domestic violence charges. Hageman was held out of the Falcons season opener on Sunday, in which they lost 31-24 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Many were surprised when his name appeared on the list of inactivates for the game. There was a great deal of anticipation for the effectiveness of Hageman this year. Instead, he found himself on the bench for the Falcons first game of the season.
Additionally, there was no explanation for his sudden inactive status. Hageman was not known to be injured, which naturally generated a great deal of confusion and curiosity. This news now leads many to believe that his involvement in a domestic violence case could be the explanation for his inactivity on Sunday. However, according to Coach Quinn, the charges were not their reasoning. The Falcons basically said they just felt like Courtney Upshaw was better suited for the job against Tampa Bay.
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Known details about the case and its implications:
The Atlanta Journal Constitution first reported the charges on Monday. According to reports, Hageman was charged with three misdemeanors in DeKalb County in March. Those three charges include interfering with a call for emergency help, battery family violence and cruelty to children in the third degree. Details remain limited at the moment, but the incident is known to have involved the mother of his child.
The matter is currently under review of the NFL’s personal contact policy, and according to that policy, the Falcons are not allowed to comment on any investigations.
According to the NFL’s personal conduct policy,
"“ A baseline suspension of six games without pay for violations involving assault, battery, domestic violence, dating violence, child abuse, other forms of family violence, or sexual assault, with consideration given to possible mitigating or aggravating circumstances.”"
Next: Falcons drop 2016 home opener, fall to Buccaneers 31-24
Hageman was a second round pick of the 2014 NFL Draft. Though he played in all 16 games in his first two seasons, he’s generally known for underperforming. Considering that this was supposed to be a breakout season for Hageman, he’s evidently not off to a good start.