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Tyler Higbee Pleads Guilty to Assault Charges, TE Will Avoid Jail Time
July 15, 2017
Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee will not face jail time after reaching a plea agreement in his assault case in Kentucky.
Higbee pleaded guilty Friday to assault under extreme emotional disturbance after concussing Nawaf Alsaleh in a fight last April, per The Associated Press. He will serve 250 hours of community service and have to pay Alsaleh an undisclosed amount.
According to witness accounts of the incident, Higbee yelled multiple racial slurs at Alsaleh after punching him in the face. The Rams tight end allegedly said "ISIS these nuts" and to "go back to your country." Alsaleh is of Middle Eastern descent.
Higbee then fled the scene before later being apprehended by police. The assault helped push Higbee's draft stock down to the fourth round, where the Rams selected him with the No. 110 overall pick.
Higbee recorded 11 receptions for 85 yards and one touchdown in his rookie season. Because the incident took place before he was an NFL player, he will not be subject to the NFL's personal conduct policy.
Under terms of his plea agreement, Higbee must refrain from alcohol and drug use and cannot possess a firearm. He's subject to a two-year jail term if he violates the plea.
