The son of Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill was recently removed from the custody of Hill and the boy’s mother, The Kansas City Star reported Thursday evening, amid an investigation into two March incidents.
According to The Star, the Kansas Department for Children and Families would not confirm the child’s removal from custody. The report adds that Hill and the boy’s mother — Crystal Espinal, Hill’s fiancee — are in a family court process called a “child in need of care” case, which evaluates a child’s safety and care and can result in removal from parental custody.
Authorities have been investigating incidents — one on March 5 for child abuse and neglect, and one on March 14 for battery — at Hill’s home in Overland Park, Kan. Both police reports indicated a juvenile was involved.
Hill, 25, has not been charged with any crimes. He reported to the first day of the Chiefs’ offseason workouts earlier this week.
“I don’t want to make judgment on anything other than he is here and he is working,” head coach Andy Reid said when asked about Hill’s situation. “If there is anything to comment on, we will always put it out there for you. We are not hiding it.”
Added general manager Brett Veach on Thursday: “I think it’s going to work itself out here, and we’ll deal with the information as it comes. Like I said, there’s nothing I’d probably be in a position to say right now on that.”
The NFL requested documents from Overland Park Police on March 12, before the second incident, according to The Star. Hill could be subject to discipline from the NFL, whether or not he is charged with a crime, and the league could consider his domestic violence history.
Hill reportedly choked and punched Espinal, then his girlfriend, when she was pregnant in December 2014. Hill was arrested and dismissed from the Oklahoma State football team. He later pleaded guilty to domestic assault and battery by strangulation and received three years’ probation.
Hill and Espinal are listed on the March 5 police report as “others involved.” On the March 14 report, Espinal is listed as “others involved,” with a juvenile listed as the victim. The Star reported previously that Hill’s 3-year-old victim suffered a broken arm in the incident.
Hill told the Star in January that Espinal is pregnant with twins.
Hill is three-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time first-team All-Pro through three seasons with the Chiefs.
He has 223 catches for 3,255 yards and 25 touchdowns. He also has returned four kickoffs and one punt for scores.