With the 2017 NFL Draft just days away, most teams’ big boards have been set up and solidified. The rest of the planning from now until draft night is calculating potential moves and trades that may be going on for them or around them.
However, according to a report from Patrick Pinak of Alligator Sports, former Gators defensive tackle, and a prospect who the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have shown interest in, Caleb Brantley, is facing a misdemeanor charge for allegedly striking a woman unconscious during an argument.
BREAKING: Former #Gators DL Caleb Brantley facing misdemeanor charge for allegedly knocking a woman unconscious that "displaced a tooth." pic.twitter.com/R3SsT3UbEc
— Patrick Pinak (@pinakk12) April 23, 2017
The incident was reported to have happened on the night of April 13th at 2:15 a.m.. The report notes that the defendant (Brantley) and the victim were “engaged in a verbal altercation”. It goes on to say the victim pushed the defendant, and in response, the defendant struck the victim, knocking her unconscious – also knocking out one of her teeth. A witness confirmed this to not be self defense on the part of the defendant and was, in fact, an excessive use of force.
The Buccaneers have shown interest in Brantley multiple times throughout the draft process. They interviewed him formally at the NFL Scouting Combine, and sent defensive line coach, Jay Hayes, to Florida’s Pro Day to get a second look at Brantley as well as talk to him before or after.
Brantley was projected to be an early second round pick. But, with something like this coming out just days before the draft, his stock could fall at an incredible – perhaps even undraftable – rate.