CINCINNATI — In a startling turn of events, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton has been implicated in a domestic dispute involving violent allegations against his ex-girlfriend.

An incident report filed with the police and uncovered by ESPN reveals that Burton allegedly choked and physically assaulted the 19-year-old woman during a troubling episode on December 30.

The Incident Unfolds

The episode unfolded in the early hours after a night of drinking, leading to a distress call to Cincinnati police just hours later. According to the woman’s account, Burton broke into her apartment and confronted her in the hallway, where he reportedly choked her. The situation escalated when he allegedly retrieved a knife from her kitchen, threatening to harm himself while also breaking her phone before fleeing the scene.

Victim's Response

Despite the severity of the allegations, the woman declined to pursue criminal charges against Burton. In her conversation with police, she indicated that this was not an isolated incident, claiming, "This is the second time he's broken my phone in the past month." She described an escalating pattern of abuse, adding that previous incidents included Burton pushing her down a staircase during a drinking session on December 21.

Background on Burton

Burton's off-field actions have raised concerns long before this troubling episode. Although he was drafted as a third-round pick from Alabama, a historical context of questionable behavior permeates his profile. In 2022, a notorious social media video surfaced showing him striking a woman at a college football game, leading the Bengals' coaching staff to address the incident directly during his recruitment.

Bengals' Response

Head Coach Zac Taylor and the Bengals organization have released a statement affirming their commitment to gathering more information before making any comments. "We will continue to evaluate as we gather additional details," Taylor stated. Meanwhile, Burton's performance on the field has also been less than stellar. With only four receptions for 107 yards in 14 games this season, he had already faced challenges in securing his position on the team, including being a healthy scratch for a critical game against the Las Vegas Raiders in early November.

Additional Troubles

Adding to his troubles, Burton faced an eviction notice and a civil lawsuit from his former landlord just days before the incident, highlighting ongoing financial disputes as well.

Looking Ahead

While the Bengals organization is closely monitoring the situation, the NFL's response to these allegations remains to be seen, and fans are left wondering what the future holds for Burton amid these deeply concerning claims. More details are likely to emerge soon, and everyone is holding their breath to see how this multifaceted situation unfolds.