Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy may not have to worry about anything but his wonky hamstrings and his troublesome knee, both of which limited him and combined to make his first season in upstate New York a disappointing one, as he prepares for the 2016 NFL season and year two in Buffalo. While it looked as though the former Philadelphia Eagle was set to be charged in connection with a brawl at a Philly nightclub earlier this year that left two off-duty Philadelphia police officers in need of urgent medical assistance, it sounds as though that may not be the case.
Apparently, McCoy will only have to rehab his knee, not his image, before he returns to an NFL field this upcoming season.
Per the latest report, McCoy will not face criminal charges with the assault. Neither will any of the other men who had been at Recess Lounge in Old City with McCoy that evening, including former Pitt running back Tamarcus Porter.
Phila DA's office will announce after investigation into bar fight betw LeSean McCoy crew-Philly cops won't be charges issued, per sources.
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) April 4, 2016
The alleged assault, which is said to have lasted nearly 10 minutes (video of which you can see here) and involved McCoy, at least three of his friends, and three off-duty police officers, looked as though it may cost McCoy part of his $40 million contract and, much like Ray Rice before, his ability to remain on an NFL field.
But per the report, it seems there are questions from the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office regarding the behavior of the off-duty police officers. The officer allegedly stole a bottle of champagne from McCoy's table and, when confronted by Porter, grabbed Porter by the neck and "body-slammed him to the ground."
Another officer involved in the altercation was said to have a gun on him, which is a violation of Philadelphia police code.
The officers also did not call 911 immediately after the fight.
If McCoy does indeed avoid charges, it will be a major departure from the expected outcome only a few short weeks ago. The Bills were reportedly preparing as if they'd lose McCoy, their lead back, for "several games" to start 2016. Both the Mayor of Philadelphia and the President of the Fraternal Order of Police went on record condemning McCoy's actions and calling for his head.
And it was said to be only a matter of time before McCoy and his cohorts would face criminal charges.
But after nine weeks of investigation, it seems McCoy will be free to take the field with the rest of his Bills teammates, entirely unfettered, this season.
