Battery Conviction Puts Hill’s Return To Chiefs In Jeopardy

Former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hil got a mixed verdict in his civil trial for assault and battery, as he was held liable for two counts of battery, but not held liable for the eight remaining claims that were part of the initial filing by his estranged wife, Lakeeta Vaccaro. 

The report from Xuan Thai of ESPN also stated that Vaccaro will receive $500,000 in compansatory damages, but her claims for punitive damages were denied. 

Hill said he was “grateful” for the verdict, according to one of his attorneys, Christi Bright, and “very pleased that he was able to get his story out.” 

The eight-person jury reached the verdict after four hours of deliberations, with the makeup consisting of five men and three women. The trial included Hill taking the stand to address multiple allegations of physical and verbal abuse he allegedly committed during his interactions with Vaccaro. 

Hill’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, spoke out about the verdict after the trial, describing his situation as “fluid” and adding that “a deal could happen any time.”

Rosenhaus also said the ideal deal would come in midseason with a team that’s a winner that also needs a wide receiver. He mentioned wanting to have his client go to a team with “a pretty good quarterback,” all of which is likely an oblique reference to the Chiefs situation, as they’re currently sitting at 4-0 with Patrick Mahomes back at quarterback and playing well. 

The Chiefs also have a “fluid” situation at wide receiver after losing Tyquan Thornton to a serious ankle injury against the Las Vegas Raiders, and Rashee Rice has been struggling with a hamstring injury. 

The question now is what the reality will look like for Hill going forward. As Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk noted, it’s not clear whether he’s completely recovered from the serious knee injury Hill suffered last September while playing for the Miami Dolphins, with Rosenhaus saying that he’s “getting there real soon” based mostly on workout videos the wide receiver posted back during the summer. 

The other issue is the NFL’s investigation into Hill’s violation of the league’s Personal Conduct Policy, which will presumably be completed shortly now that the civil trial is over. 

Hill could be suspended or put on the commissioner’s exempt list, in which case he’d immediately be placed on paid leave after signing. 

The Chiefs were tied to Hill shortly before the trial began, with various stars reportedly giving their stamp of approval to a possible return. It’s unclear where the Chiefs stand on all this now that the trial is over and Hill’s civil issues have been settled.