KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Tyreek Hill’s attorneys issued a statement Thursday declaring his innocence one day after the Johnson County District Attorney declined to pursue charges in a child abuse investigation in which he’s involved.
Overland Park police visited Hill’s residence twice as part of a child welfare investigation regarding his 3-year-old son, Zev.
Police talked to Hill, a star wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs, on March 5 and talked to his fiancee, Crystal Espinal, on March 5 and again on March 14.
Information obtained by police was forwarded to the Johnson County District Attorney’s Office for consideration of charges.
Ultimately, District Attorney Steve Howe decided that, though his office believes a crime occurred, it does not have sufficient evidence to pursue charges against any individual.
Zev has been removed from Hill’s home, which he shares with Espinal, as part of a separate and ongoing investigation by the Kansas Department for Children and Families.
“Tyreek has maintained from the inception and throughout the investigation that he was innocent of any crime.” Hill’s attorneys said in a statement. “Contrary to some media reports, Tyreek cooperated with law enforcement, waived his Fifth Amendment rights, and answered questions from both law enforcement and DCF. He continues to cooperate with authorities. Unfortunately, due to laws related to confidentiality, as much as he would like to, he cannot comment regarding specific allegations.”
In a statement attributed directly to Hill through his attorneys, the Pro Bowl wide receiver said:
“I love and support my family above anything. My son’s health and happiness is my number one priority. I want to thank the Kansas City Chiefs, my attorneys, my agent and my union for supporting me through this. My focus remains on working hard to be the best person for my family and our community I can be, and the best player to help our team win.”
Hill is being represented by attorneys Trey Pettlon, Ryan Ginie and Julius Collins.
When the Chiefs selected Hill in the 2016 NFL Draft, the pick sparked controversy because of his history of domestic violence. He was kicked off the Oklahoma State football team in December 2014 after being arrested for allegedly kicking and choking a then-pregnant Espinal.
Hill transferred to West Alabama for his senior season and was drafted by the Chiefs after posting one of the fastest 40-yard dash times among prospects.
After Zev was born, Hill and Espinal reconciled and got engaged last year. She is pregnant again with twins.
Last August, Hill's guilty plea in the domestic violence case was withdrawn and his record expunged after completing all court-related requirements.
