Ex-Ohio State Star, Jets Pick Darron Lee Charged with Girlfriend’s Murder
Former NFL linebacker Darron Lee has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder following the death of his girlfriend, as reported by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office in Tennessee. Authorities discovered the victim on Tuesday, where attempts to save her life were unsuccessful. Investigators quickly ruled the incident a homicide, resulting in Lee’s immediate arrest at the crime scene.
Darron Lee’s Legal Situation
In addition to the murder charge, which is of the first degree, Lee, age 31, faces a secondary charge related to tampering with evidence. The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be filed as new information emerges. Currently, Lee remains incarcerated without bond, with a court appearance scheduled for the upcoming Wednesday.
Darron Lee’s Football Career
Before his arrest, Darron Lee was known for his accomplishments in college and professional football. He gained national attention as a linebacker while playing for Ohio State. In 2015, he helped his team secure the College Football Playoff title and was named defensive MVP during the Sugar Bowl semifinal against top-ranked Alabama.
Transition to the NFL
- Drafted 20th overall by the New York Jets in 2016.
- Started 36 games and appeared in 40 overall, accumulating:
- 241 total tackles
- 17 tackles for loss
- 4 sacks
- 3 interceptions
- Faced a four-game suspension in 2018 for violating substance abuse policies.
- The Jets did not exercise Lee’s fifth-year option, leading to his trade to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2019.
Later Career and Decline
With the Chiefs, Lee participated in 16 games but only started in two. He was inactive for Kansas City’s Super Bowl LIV win, marking a significant moment in his career. The following offseason, Lee again faced a four-game suspension, which limited his playing time. His most recent NFL appearance was with the Buffalo Bills in the 2020 season, after which he signed with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021 but was subsequently released during training camp.
The recent charges against Lee mark a dramatic turn in the life of a once-promising athlete, casting a shadow over his legacy in professional football.
