KC Chiefs’ Justyn Ross Granted Diversion, No Longer Facing Criminal Charges
It's been a few weeks since any news regarding Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Justyn Ross has been released, but Monday saw a new development in his legal proceedings come to light.
First reported by KMBC in Kansas City, Ross "is no longer facing criminal charges after an application for diversion in his case was granted." Diversion is a common reference for an agreement between a defendant and a prosecutor, usually one ending with charges not being brought forth or being dismissed altogether. Per the report, a judge "formally diverted" Ross's criminal case on Nov. 22.
Back on Oct. 23, Ross was arrested and booked in Johnson County, KS. Charged with one count of criminal damage of less than $1,000 and domestic battery with no priors, he was released from jail after pleading not guilty the following day. Additional details were subsequently revealed in an affidavit obtained by The Kansas City Star earlier this month, stating that Ross allegedly found out that his girlfriend was cheating on him and he grew upset after learning it.
Late last month, Ross was placed on the league Commissioner's Exempt List. He's still on it, which prohibits him from attending any of the Chiefs' games or practicing with the team until he's removed. Head coach Andy Reid has been consistent in his messaging of wanting the situation to play out, with the latest news not being addressed yet by the team. Only Roger Goodell is able to remove Ross from the list, promptly allowing him to count towards Kansas City's active 53-man roster total and giving him the ability to work his way back into the fold. Until that occurs — and if that occurs — both the player and team must wait on standby.
Ross, a former star in college at Clemson, last played in a Week 7 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. The 23-year-old has missed four straight games, currently having his season totals sit at three receptions and 34 yards on six targets. The Chiefs signed him as an undrafted free agent prior to the 2022 season, although his development has been a slow process ever since then. As the 2023-24 campaign continues to unfold, only time will tell whether Ross will rejoin the team.
