Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt (27) slips out of a tackle of Cleveland Browns linebacker Christian Kirksey in the first half on November 4, 2018 at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. Photo by Aaron Josefczyk/UPI |
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Former Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt said he's sorry and embarrassed by his actions after being shown on tape shoving and kicking a woman.
Hunt spoke to ESPN's Lisa Salters on Sunday morning in his first public comments since being released by the Chiefs.
"I just want to let the world know how sorry I am for my actions. It's been a tough time for me and I'm extremely embarrassed because of that video," Hunt said. "I'm definitely not that kind of person. My mother raised me right. I was raised by my mom and my grandma and they taught me right from wrong."
TMZ published a video depicting Hunt and the woman exchanging words in a hallway before being separated on numerous instances. Hunt then pushed the woman, who responded by swatting at his face. Hunt then collided with a man who then knocked the woman down before the 23-year-old running back kicked the woman in the leg.
Hunt elected against delving into what happened between himself and the woman in the video prior to the incident caught on tape.
"It don't really matter what happened. I was in the wrong. I could have taken responsibility and made the right decision to find a way to de-escalate the whole situation," Hunt said.
Hunt said he had never met the woman in the video until the night in question, had no relationship with her and has had no subsequent contact with her. He also admitted to lying to the Chiefs about the events of the incident that was first reported in February, but he said the NFL hasn't questioned him about it either.
"The Chiefs are right. I didn't tell them everything," Hunt said of his conversations with the Chiefs. "I don't blame them for anything. My actions caused this."
The Chiefs released the following statement on Friday night:
"Earlier this year, we were made aware of an incident involving running back Kareem Hunt," the statement read. "At that time, the National Football League and law enforcement initiated investigations into the issue. As part of our internal discussions with Kareem, several members of our management team spoke directly to him. Kareem was not truthful in those discussions. The video released today confirms that fact. We are releasing Kareem immediately."
Hunt was placed on the Reserve/Commissioner Exempt List before being put on waivers.
He added that he hopes he gets another chance in the NFL and that this incident would not define him in others' eyes.
"I'm asking for forgiveness, and definitely believe I deserve forgiveness," Hunt said. "If you really know me, I'm so respectful to everyone, and I made a bad decision."
A third-round draft pick out of Toledo, Hunt wound up leading the NFL in rushing as a rookie with 1,327 yards. He had 824 yards and seven rushing touchdowns and seven receiving scores through the first 11 games this season.