Isaiah Buggs, who joined the Chiefs’ practice squad in January and signed a futures contract, was released by the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday due to his legal issues. Buggs was arrested earlier this month on charges of second-degree domestic violence and second-degree burglary. Details of the arrest were not clear, but his $5,000 bond was revoked, and he remains in jail. On May 30, Buggs turned himself in on two counts of second-degree animal cruelty but was released after posting bond.
Buggs’ agent, Trey Robinson, released a statement denying the animal cruelty charges, stating that Buggs was unaware that the dogs were on the property and he does not condone mistreatment of animals. Furthermore, Buggs was arrested on April 14 after an incident at the Kings Hookah Lounge, which he owns, where he was charged with menacing, assault, and a city code infraction. In a separate incident on April 23, Buggs and his brother were accused of pointing handguns at a woman during a confrontation at the hookah lounge.
27-year-old Buggs played two seasons at the University of Alabama, winning a national championship in 2017. He was drafted in the sixth round by the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he played three seasons before joining the Chiefs’ practice squad in January. The Chiefs re-signed Buggs to a futures contract in February.
Buggs’ release adds to a tumultuous offseason for the Chiefs, as wide receiver Rashee Rice and offensive tackles Wanya Morris and Chukwuebuka Godrick have also faced legal issues. Rice faces eight criminal charges related to a multi-car crash, while Morris and Godrick were arrested on misdemeanor marijuana possession charges.