Former NFL first-round pick Darron Lee was arrested and charged with first-degree murder on Friday after his girlfriend’s death, the Hamilton County (Tenn.) Sheriff’s Office announced.
First responders reportedly found the unnamed victim on Tuesday afternoon and determined she was dead after attempting life-saving measures. Preliminary findings led to detectives ruling the death a result of homicide, with Lee taken into custody at the scene.
Advertisement
In addition to murder, Lee, 31, faces a charge of tampering with evidence. Additional charges could be added pending the outcome of the investigation.
Per jail records, Lee is currently being held without bond and has a court date scheduled for next Wednesday.
Lee was a second-team All-American linebacker and won the 2015 College Football Playoff with Ohio State, earning defensive MVP honors in the Sugar Bowl semifinal win over No. 1 Alabama. He was selected 20th overall by the New York Jets in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Over the course of three seasons, Lee started 36 games for the Jets and appeared in 40 total, accruing 241 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss, four sacks and three interceptions. However, he was suspended four games in 2018 due to a substance abuse violation and struggled enough that the Jets declined his fifth-year option.
Advertisement
The Jets eventually traded Lee to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2019. He appeared in 16 games but started only two, and was inactive for Kansas City’s Super Bowl LIV victory. He was suspended for four games again the following offseason and he never found significant playing time after that.
Lee’s last appearance in an NFL game was with the Buffalo Bills in the 2020 season. He joined the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021, but was released in training camp.
Read the full article here
