Kansas City Chiefs Linebacker Suspended

The Kansas City Chiefs will be without one of their leaders on defense for the next four weeks. The Athletic's Nate Taylor reports that starting linebacker Willie Gay Jr. has been suspended for four games due to a charge of misdemeanor criminal damage: 

The NFL has suspended Willie Gay four games for a violation of the league’s personal conduct policy. Gay can return for the Chiefs’ game against the 49ers on Oct. 23.

In January, Gay was arrested in Overland Park on a misdemeanor criminal damage to property charge.

— Nate Taylor (@ByNateTaylor) September 19, 2022

The charge stems from a January incident that constituted a domestic violence incident. Pending appeal, Gay will miss games against the Indianapolis Colts, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Las Vegas Raiders, and Buffalo Bills.

Photo Credit: © Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Gay has been a crucial cog for the Chiefs since being drafted 63rd overall in 2020, starting 19 games across his first two seasons. An explosive athlete out of Mississippi State, Gay has tallied 103 combined tackles in his career as well as a pair of interceptions. He'll likely be replaced by backup Darius Harris in the starting lineup, who has played 144 snaps on defense across his three-year career with the Chiefs.
Photo Credit: © Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports