Police report: Jonathan Dwyer headbutted wife after she refused sex
New details have emerged in the domestic violence allegations against Arizona Cardinals running back Jonathan Dwyer.
ESPN reports that Dwyer "headbutted his wife and broke her nose after she refused his sexual advances, and punched her in the face the next day."
ABC 15 in Arizona reports that the alleged incidents involving Dwyer, his wife, and their 18-month-old son occurred on July 21 at 8 a.m. and July 22 at 4 p.m. at Dwyer's house.
From ESPN:
In the first encounter, police say Dwyer attempted to kiss and undress his wife, but she refused. Someone who heard the argument reported the assault to police, who showed up at the apartment but did not make an arrest. Dwyer hid in a bathroom and the wife denied he was in the home because the running back threatened to kill himself in front of her and their child if she told police about the assault, police said.
The next day, Dwyer punched his wife with a closed fist on the left side of her face, according to police. He also punched walls and threw a shoe at his son, listed as either 17 or 18 months old, who was not injured.
Arizona police said that after the second incident, the two victims left the state. Dwyer's wife reportedly called the police on Sept. 11 to tell them "Dwyer had sent her a photo of a knife and threatened to harm himself if she contacted authorities about the incidents."
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Dwyer was booked into jail Sept. 17 on charges of aggravated assault causing a fracture, aggravated assault involving a minor, criminal damage and preventing the use of a phone in an emergency and assault. Dwyer posted bail on Thursday morning and was released from police custody.
After news broke of the allegations surrounding Dwyer, the Cardinals deactivated him from all team activities.
ESPN reports a status hearing is scheduled for Sept. 24 and a preliminary hearing two days later.
The allegations against Dwyer come as the league faces heavy scrutiny over its handling of domestic violence cases.
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Dwyer was listed as the No. 2 running back on the Cardinals' depth chart. In Arizona's first two games, Dwyer had 16 carries for 51 yards and a touchdown.
- Sarah Barshop
