Darron Lee, a former NFL linebacker and Ohio State star, was arrested Monday in Dublin, Ohio, on two charges of misdemeanor domestic violence and two misdemeanor assault from two separate incidents, according to Franklin County Municipal Court records.
The charges stem from two different altercations, one of which happened on Monday and one that took place on Oct. 17, both at the same location. Per court records, a woman relative of Lee called the police to the home after Lee reportedly punched her in the head numerous times during an argument on Monday.
Before Monday’s incident, Lee’s girlfriend expressed her concerns about not feeling safe around him, according to an affidavit signed by Columbus police. The relative attempted to speak with Lee about his behavior and tell him he needed to leave.
However, the relative said that Lee allegedly became angry and “kept screaming” before grabbing her shirt, pushing her into a wall several times and striking her “approximately 8-9 times in the head area with a closed fist.”
The female relative was taken to a nearby hospital for several injuries to her head and face.
In the Oct. 17 incident, Lee is accused of assaulting the mother of his child. She told police that Lee “grabbed her by the neck and lifted her up”, “swung her around and dropped her onto the ground”, per court records.
The woman also said that Lee told her that “he would kill her and their child.”
Lee had a court appearance for both cases on Tuesday. He is currently being held in the Franklin County jail. Lee’s bond was set at $20,000 for each case and was mandated to keep distance from the two alleged victims if he posts his bond.
The 28-year-old was a key player on Ohio State’s 2014 national championship team. He was the defensive MVP in the Buckyes’ win against Alabama in the CFP semifinal. After three seasons at Ohio State, the Jets drafted Lee at No. 20 in the ’16 NFL draft.
However, he struggled in the NFL and faced several fines and violations that included him being suspended four games in the ’18 season for violating the league’s performance enhancement drugs. Lee finished out his career playing for the Chiefs, Bills and Raiders.
