Just as the Miami Dolphins were about to head into the offseason on a high note with yesterday’s victory over the New England Patriots, star cornerback Xavien Howard was arrested for domestic battery by Davie police on Sunday night. This was first reported by ESPN Dolphins writer Cameron Wolfe, who later added that Howard remains in Broward County jail.
Dolphins CB Xavien Howard was arrested for domestic battery by Davie PD last night in an alleged incident involving his fiancé , a source told ESPN. This is a developing story.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) December 30, 2019
This situation has been repeated for the Dolphins this season. After running back Mark Walton was arrested by Davie police a few weeks ago, he was swiftly cut by the team. Situations are always fluid, but as Phinsiders writer Josh Houtz stated in a tweet this morning, “there’s never an excuse for putting your hands on a woman.”
Per police report, Xavien Howard and fiance had argument about the recent purchase of a purse that wasn’t disclosed and the altercation became physical when the defendant grabbed her arm and pushed her back up against a mirrored glass wall in the hallway of their bedroom….
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) December 30, 2019
Houtz brings up a predicament for the team. Coach Flo and general manager Chris Grier have a no-tolerance policy. Will this bend for one of the best corners in the game? Or will the team act swiftly once an investigation is complete? Miami Herald reporter Barry Jackson added more light on what happened last night with two tweets this morning.
… Howard, according to police report, let her go, causing her to fall to the floor on her right arm, which landed on his crutches. Howard now at risk of suspension to begin the 2020 season.
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) December 30, 2019
The Dolphins issued a vague statement: “We are aware of the situation and currently gathering information. We will have no further comment at this time.”
If, and this is big because we’ve seen it before, the reports are indeed true, then there is no doubt Howard will face a suspension next season. Honestly, I don’t expect Howard to be traded or cut this offseason barring a crazy turn of events.
Howard became one of the now 128 arrests on domestic abuse charges since 2000 on USA Today’s database. If the team does decide to either trade or release Howard, it will suffer a cap hit of $17.5 million. More information will be released as the situation continues to unfold.
