‘STRONGLY CONDEMN’

Seahawks Cut Chad Wheeler After Arrest for Allegedly Strangling Girlfriend

Wheeler, who allegedly strangled his girlfriend because she wouldn't bow to him, said the incident was the result of “a manic episode.”

The Seattle Seahawks announced Wednesday that offensive tackle Chad Wheeler is no longer with the team following accusations that he strangled his girlfriend unconscious because she’d refused to bow to him. “Wow you’re alive?” he allegedly said when his girlfriend regained consciousness after the assault, according to a police report. Wheeler, who was arrested early Saturday, allegedly attacked his girlfriend at an apartment in Kent, Washington. After regaining consciousness, the girlfriend ran to a bathroom and called police, telling them she was being “killed.” Wheeler was arrested on suspicion of felony domestic violence and released on $400,000 bond on Tuesday. “The Seahawks are saddened by the details emerging against Chad Wheeler and strongly condemn this act of domestic violence,” the team said in a statement. “Out thoughts and support are with the victim. Chad is a free agent and no longer with the team.”

Wheeler apologized on Twitter around the same time, saying the incident was the result of “a manic episode.” He said he would be leaving football to seek help. “I am deeply sorry for the pain and suffering that I have caused to Alleah and her family,” he said. According to the police report, Wheeler had recently stopped taking his meds for bi-polar disorder.