November 20, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Antonio Smith (94) between plays during the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Chiefs 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Since the whole Ray Rice saga began, the NFL has closely and have changed the ruling under the personal conduct policy to include domestic disputes. A Denver Broncos player’s past might be catching up to him.
Newly acquired defensive lineman Antonio Smith is currently under investigation for a domestic issue stemming from a child abuse allegation back in 2010. Charges have yet to be filed at the time of this writing.
Broncos Antonio Smith investigated for child abuse http://t.co/DoJQCKsKD5 #9News #Broncos @MikeKlis
— 9NEWS Sports Denver (@9NEWSSports) May 21, 2015
We have seen Adrian Peterson suspended indefinitely due to his child abuse allegation. If the allegations prove to be true, we could see a similar case happening to Antonio Smith. If proven true, it would not surprise me if he was placed on the NFL’s exempt list. This would mean he would have to stay away from all team activity until his case is resolved.
For me, I am against domestic violence across all boards. There is not a single reason why someone should be using physical altercations against another human being, period. No reason for any individual to be using anything on their bodies or objects to cause bodily harm to another individual. It maybe the peace keeper in me that I am saying this but this has grown into a huge problem in our world today.
The NFL did the right thing and changed the personal conduct policy to include all cases of domestic violence.
Antonio Smith could be under a lot of fire. According to the accuser, there were multiple acts of child abuse that started in 2010, while Smith was a member of the Houston Texans. As of now, the situation is being reviewed and there is no timetable for whatever decision the Texas district attorney comes up with.
This will be something Broncos Country might be paying attention to as we start to gear up and prepare for OTA’s and Training Camp. Stay tuned for updates in regards to this news.