Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins has canceled multiple public appearances following his arrest over the weekend in Florida.
Judkins, a second-round draft pick, was arrested on July 12 and charged with misdemeanor domestic battery. The arrest stems from an alleged incident five days prior, on July 7, where Judkins is accused of physically assaulting his girlfriend.
According to the police report, an argument that began at the airport escalated inside a rental vehicle, where Judkins allegedly struck the woman in the mouth and chin with a closed fist and later hit her multiple times on her arm and thigh. The accuser waited five days to contact authorities, telling them she was initially hesitant due to concerns about the potential impact on Judkins’ NFL career.
Police moved forward with the arrest after observing visible bruising on the woman’s chin and reviewing photographic evidence she provided of her injuries. Judkins posted bail on Sunday afternoon.
Following the arrest, Judkins canceled his youth camp at a local high school. He also scrapped a meet-and-greet.
Browns RB Quinshon Judkins Could Miss Time After Arrest
Judkins could be placed on the commissioner’s exempt list while the league investigates the incident, which would sideline him from all practices and games but allow him to continue receiving pay. Players on the list do not count against the 53-man roster.
The standard penalty for a first violation involving physical force is a six-game suspension without pay, though that can be increased or reduced based on mitigating or aggravating circumstances.
The Browns faced a similar situation last season with then-rookie defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. Hall’s legal case was ultimately resolved when he pleaded no contest to a lesser charge of disorderly conduct. He received a suspended jail sentence and was placed on probation. He was eventually suspended for five games of his rookie season.
Quinshon Judkins Expected to Report for Browns Training Camp
Judkins is expected to report to training camp, which is set to open for rookies on July 18. However, the uncertainty around his role throws a wrench into the Browns’ plans.
The Browns view Judkins as a “bell cow” back, and he was expected to play a significant role in the running back rotation.
“We’ve obviously been spoiled over the past couple years, particularly with Nick (Chubb) and Kareem (Hunt), and we feel like he is very much in that mold in terms of skill set,” Browns GM Andrew Berry said. “Not necessarily saying that he’s going to, with certainty, develop into one of those players — we certainly hope that’s the case — but we think that he can be a bell cow runner that can really carry the load for us.”
If Judkins is out, the Browns will be relying on Jerome Ford, fellow rookie Dylan Sampson and Pierre Strong Jr. to carry the load. Ford took a pay cut this offseason to remain with the Browns. He’s lacked consistency but has shown his upside in spurts. He’s notched 1,390 yards and seven touchdowns over three seasons in Cleveland. Ford has also caught 81 passes for 544 yards.
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