Frank Kearse Stabbed in Alleged Domestic Violence Dispute

Former New England Patriots defensive lineman Frank Kearse—who was released from injured reserve with an injury settlement on Thursday, per NESN's Doug Kyed—was stabbed during an alleged domestic violence dispute with his girlfriend.  

According to the Sun Chronicle's David Linton, Kearse was treated at two hospitals "for a knife wound to the upper abdomen" after he was involved in an incident with 26-year-old Dominique Hooper. 

Citing police, Linton reported Kearse told authorities he suffered the wound when moving a box containing several knives, with one cutting through the box and puncturing his abdomen. 

While Hooper reportedly corroborated that story initially, she changed her version of events once detectives doubted her. 

According to Linton, Hooper then allegedly "admitted to brandishing a knife" and "told police Kearse raised a cardboard box to defend himself when he was injured by the knife."

Hooper was subsequently arrested and appeared in court, where she pleaded innocent to charges of domestic assault and battery and assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon. 

After entering her plea, Hooper was released on $1,000 bail. 

Kearse, who appeared in four games for Washington last season, signed with the Patriots in March before they placed him on season-ending injured reserve with an undisclosed injury.