Von Miller (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)
Buffalo Bills’ key player, Von Miller, addressed the media on Thursday, vehemently refuting allegations of assaulting his pregnant girlfriend, describing them as “100 percent false” and “overblown.”
Incident and Legal Actions
This statement comes in the aftermath of the alleged assault on Nov. 29 during the team’s bye week in suburban Dallas. Miller voluntarily surrendered to the Glenn Heights Police on Nov. 30, facing a third-degree felony charge for allegedly assaulting his pregnant girlfriend. He was subsequently booked into the DeSoto Tri-City Jail before being released on a $5,000 bond.
Miller’s Defense
“Obviously, there are things that I can’t talk about but everything that was out is completely wrong and blown out of proportion,” Miller said. “Me and my girlfriend, we have problems just like any other couple does. But there has never been any of those things that was alleged against me. Hopefully, over time all of this stuff will get cleared up. Sometimes life just … be life-ing. You’ve just got to keep pushing and keep moving. The people who know me and have been around me know my character, they know who I am.”
When pressed on the specifics of the allegations, Miller said, “All of it is incorrect and it is untrue. The only thing that is true is we do have a third son on the way. … Everything else is untrue.” He underscored the absence of any history of domestic violence in his relationship.
Relationship Context and Affidavit
According to the affidavit for the arrest warrant obtained by ESPN, Miller and the woman have been in a relationship for seven years, with children together. The woman, six weeks pregnant at the time, informed the police about Miller’s alleged actions.
Specific Allegations
The affidavit detailed an argument that led Miller to leave the residence after the woman threatened to call the police. Allegations include Miller putting his hands on the woman’s neck, pulling her hair, and attempting to shove her as she gathered her belongings.
Media Response
When asked if there was a fight, Miller said “Honestly, I wasn’t on social media before and definitely not on social media now. But from the things that have been brought to my attention, everything is false. And I would love to sit here and say, ‘Y’all know me!’ But it’s not, this is not that type of situation because domestic violence really happens around the world — for men and women. And it’s a serious situation so I would not pull that card. All I can say is it is just a matter of time before everything gets set straight.”
Injuries and Relationship Status
Police arrived at the condominium, and observed “minor abrasions” on the woman’s left hand and bruising to her neck, “injuries consistent with applied pressure the neck,” in addition to bruising to her abdomen and left biceps. The injuries were documented when police took photographs that day.
Miller, addressing his relationship, said “Me and my relationship with my girlfriend is the same… We’ve got three kids, and everything is normal in that respect,” Miller said when asked if he’s in communication with the police. “And everything was blown out of proportion that day. It was just a crazy day… Whatever happened, I hate it happened. I hate my name is attached to anything like that and it’s just a matter of time until I can clear it up.”
Professional Impact
Miller signed a six-year, $120 million contract with the Bills in 2022. He has played in 11 games this season, including the past three since the events are alleged to have taken place, and continues to work his way back from right ACL surgery that took place over a year ago. General manager Brandon Beane said earlier this month the team was following the lead of the NFL and that “it’s an open investigation and so we’ll just, we’ll let the legal process play out.”
Transparency with Team
Miller said he has been completely transparent with the Bills on everything that is going on with him since he started communicating with the team back in 2022.
“I was 100 percent truthful with Brandon Beane, Coach McDermott and the NFL, the investigators and [Bills co-owner Terry Pegula]. I was 100 percent transparent with everything that happened that day from start to finish,” he said.
This report used information from ESPN.
