An Atlanta Falcons player has been let go from the team after he allegedly killed his ex-girlfriend's pint-sized Yorkie, Dior.
According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Prince Shembo, a linebacker for the team, was arrested and charged with aggravated cruelty to animals after his ex-girlfriend stated he killed her Yorkie because it bit him. Shembo was arrested Friday afternoon and released on $15,000 bond. Two hours after leaving jail, the player was dropped from the team.
The Falcons released a statement wishing the best for the 23-year-old player.
"We are aware of the charges that have been filed against Prince Shembo," the team said. "We are extremely disappointed that one of our players is involved in something like this. Accordingly, we have decided to waive Prince Shembo."
The incident happened in April when Shembo was still involved with a woman named Denicia Williams. Williams says four days after Dior was with Shembo, he became unresponsive. After taking him to an animal hospital in Atlanta, he was pronounced dead.
A necropsy determined the dog died from blunt force trauma. The Yorkie had a fractured rib, fractured liver, abdominal hemorrhage, thoracic hemorrhage, extensive bruising and hemorrhage in the muscles in her front leg and shoulders, head trauma, hemorrhage and edema in her lungs, hemorrhage between the esophagus and trachea, and hemorrhage in the left eye with internal injuries.
Williams says that during a fight, Shembo confessed to killing the dog by kicking it.
The player has since denied the accusations.
Source: The Atlanta Journal Constitution | Photo Credit: Screenshot
