NFL Places Chiefs' Justyn Ross on Commissioner Exempt List Following Domestic Battery Arrest
ICARO Media Group
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Justyn Ross has been placed on the Commissioner Exempt List by the NFL on Friday, according to NFL Media. Ross was arrested on Monday, one day after the Chiefs' Week 7 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers.
The 23-year-old Ross is facing two misdemeanor charges of criminal damage of less than $1,000 and domestic battery with no priors, as reported by 610SportsKC. During his arraignment on Tuesday, Ross pleaded not guilty to both charges and was later released on $2,500 bond. As a condition of his release, he is prohibited from having any contact with the accuser or any witnesses involved in the case.
Under the Commissioner Exempt List, Ross is unable to practice or attend games. He will remain on the list until further notice. Ross is scheduled to appear in court on December 4, the day after the Chiefs' game against the Green Bay Packers on "Sunday Night Football" at Lambeau Field.
The Chiefs acknowledged the arrest when it was initially reported and stated that they were gathering information on the incident. Head coach Andy Reid addressed the situation during a press conference, mentioning that they are still in the process of evaluating the situation.
"Justyn Ross, we're taking in all the information, and have been. We'll continue to do that. He's back here. He'll work today and we'll just take it from there," Reid said, according to KCTV 5.
According to the Johnson County Sheriff's Office report, Ross was booked Monday afternoon after being arrested in Shawnee, Kansas.
Ross, who joined the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent out of Clemson in 2022, has played in seven games this season, catching three passes for 34 yards. Despite being on the field for 25% of the Chiefs' offensive snaps in their recent victory over the Chargers, Ross was not targeted by quarterback Patrick Mahomes in the passing game.
As the legal process unfolds, the Chiefs will likely evaluate their options regarding Ross's future with the team. The NFL will also conduct its own investigation into the matter, which may result in further action or disciplinary measures.
The Chiefs and Ross have yet to release any official statements since his placement on the Commissioner Exempt List. The team will have to adjust their roster accordingly during his absence, as they continue their pursuit of success in the 2022 NFL season.