Chad Wheeler: Ex-Seattle Seahawks lineman gets nearly 7 years in prison for assaulting girlfriend in 2021

KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON: Chad Wheeler, a former NFL player who brutally assaulted his ex-girlfriend in 2021, received a prison sentence of almost seven years on Friday, March 1.

The former Seattle Seahawks offensive lineman was also ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation and pay restitution to the victim.

Chad Wheeler was found guilty of first and second-degree domestic violence

Wheeler was charged with two counts of domestic violence and one count of false imprisonment after he attacked his then-girlfriend Alleah Taylor in her bedroom in January 2021.

He would mention her in his apology tweets to her and parents and fans. 

He strangled her twice, causing her to lose consciousness, and also broke her arm and elbow. He also expressed surprise that she was still alive when she woke up, according to court documents and police reports.

Wheeler claimed he had a “manic episode” during the assault due to his reported bipolar disorder for which he had stopped taking medication, according to ESPN.

The court documents read, he "viciously attacked the victim in her bedroom, strangling her twice with both hands...until she lost consciousness."

He was waived by the Seahawks shortly after his arrest and later found guilty of first and second-degree assault/domestic violence in November 2021. He was acquitted of the false imprisonment charge.

Chad Wheeler sentenced to 81 months in prison and three years of community supervision

On Friday, March 1, Wheeler was sentenced to 81 months in prison by the King County, Washington Superior Court.

He will also have to undergo a mental health evaluation and pay a yet-to-be-determined amount of restitution to the victim.

He will be placed under community supervision for three years after his prison term.

Wheeler, who played for the New York Giants before joining the Seahawks in 2020, did not plead guilty to any of the charges. He was an undrafted free agent out of USC.

"I did nothing wrong, I was suffering from bipolar episode," he said during the sentencing hearing when her girlfriend was making a statement describing her injuries from his assault, King 5 video from the courtroom showed. 

"I had scars which you can see, and your fingers on my neck," while tears rolled her eyes. 

Wheeler said, "I promise the help I need, to ensure...this never happens again."

"It will be a cold, cold, cold day in hell before I show you any mercy...I will find love again," Taylor said reclaiming her life. 

Seahawks condemn Chad Wheeler’s act of domestic violence and offer support to the victim

The Seahawks stated in January 2021, saying they were saddened by the details of Wheeler’s attack and strongly condemned his act of domestic violence.

They also said they were no longer associated with Wheeler who was a free agent at the time, and encouraged him to get the help he needed.

“The Seahawks are saddened by the details emerging against Chad Wheeler and strongly condemn this act of domestic violence. Our thoughts and support are with the victim," a statement read.

"Chad is a free agent and no longer with the team,” the statement further stated, adding “We encourage Chad to get the help he needs. If you are experiencing mental health issues, please reach out for help.”