Jonathan Dwyer assaulted his wife on numerous occasions, according to police. The Associated Press shared a law enforcement report on Thursday that claims the Arizona Cardinals running back head-butted his wife and broke her nose after she refused his sexual advances. Dwyer also allegedly punched his wife in the face the following day.
Dwyer was arrested on aggravated assault charges Wednesday and deactivated from all team activities. Police had investigated two incidents that occurred at his Phoenix residence on July 21 and 22. His wife left the state with the couple’s child after the alleged assaults but came forward a week ago after she claims Dwyer sent her suicidal text messages involving a photo of a knife.
According to police, Dwyer tried to kiss and undress his wife during the first incident and she refused. The ensuing argument was reported to police, but no arrest was made after officers were convinced the altercation was strictly verbal. Dwyer reportedly hid in a bathroom when police came to the house and his wife covered for him because he threatened to kill himself in front of their child.
The next day, Dwyer allegedly punched his wife with a closed fist and threw a shoe at the couple’s 17-month-old son. When she tried to call the police, he grabbed the phone from her hand and threw it from the second story of their home.
Dwyer admitted to hiding in the bathroom and threatening to take his own life, but he denied ever assaulting his wife. He also admitted to punching holes in the walls of his home and throwing the phone. He has been booked on charges of aggravated assault causing a fracture and involving a minor, criminal damage and preventing the use of a phone during an emergency.
