Seahawks suspend FB Derrick Coleman after hit-and-run arrest
The Seattle Seahawks suspended fullback Derrick Coleman after he was arrested early Thursday morning, the team announced.
Coleman, the first legally deaf player in NFL history, was charged by the King County, Wash. jail with felony hit-and-run and vehicular assault on Thursday. As of of Thursday afternoon, Coleman had been denied bail and was being held in the jail.
He is suspended by the Seahawks indefinitely pending further information.
Coleman's agent issued the following statement:
"On the evening of Oct. 15, 2015, Seattle Seahawk Fullback Derrick Coleman, Jr. was involved in a two-car collision soon after leaving a team meeting. While the facts of the case are still being determined, it seems Derrick may have fallen asleep while driving home from a Seahawks' facility. The health and well-being of all involved is our primary concern, and we are thankful to report that both parties are expected to make a full recovery. We will continue to work closely with the local officials while a full investigation is being conducted."
Coleman is used primarily as a blocker, with only three carries and 11 receptions in his four-year NFL career. He has played 20.2% of Seattle’s offensive snaps this season and 69.2% of the snaps on special teams.
Seattle is one of only a few NFL teams to carry two fullbacks on its roster. Converted defensive lineman Will Tukuafu is Coleman’s backup.
The Seahawks (2–3) will host the Carolina Panthers (4–0) at CenturyLink Field on Sunday.
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