Tyreek Hill will not be suspended, NFL says

This has been a long time coming.

On Friday morning, NFL Network reported that Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill will not be suspended entering the 2019 season.

The NFL issued a statement through NFL.com:

Over the past four months, we have conducted a comprehensive investigation of allegations regarding Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill. Throughout this investigation, the NFL’s primary concern has been the well-being of the child. Our understanding is that the child is safe and that the child’s ongoing care is being directed and monitored by the Johnson County District Court and the Johnson County Department for Children and Families.

In conducting our investigation, we have taken great care to ensure that we do not interfere with the county’s proceedings or compromise the privacy or welfare of the child in any way. The information developed in the court proceeding is confidential and has not been shared with us, and the court has sealed all law enforcement records. Local law enforcement authorities have publicly advised that the available evidence does not permit them to determine who caused the child’s injuries.

Similarly, based on the evidence presently available, the NFL cannot conclude that Mr. Hill violated the Personal Conduct Policy. Accordingly, he may attend Kansas City’s training camp and participate in all club activities. He has been and will continue to be subject to conditions set forth by the District Court, Commissioner Goodell, and the Chiefs, which include clinical evaluation and therapeutic intervention.

If further information becomes available through law enforcement, the pending court proceeding, or other sources, we will promptly consider it and take all appropriate steps at that time.

The Chiefs released a statement via Chiefs.com:

We have been informed of the decision by the National Football League that, based on the available evidence, the league has not found thatTyreek Hill violated the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy. Based on the information provided to us by the league, we have decided it is appropriate for Tyreek to return to the team at the start of training camp. The club fully supports the conditions for return laid out by the league and will continue to monitor any new developments in the case. We are glad to welcome Tyreek back to the team and look forward to the start of training camp next week.

Hill himself also issued a statement through his Twitter account:

The last few months have been very difficult for me, especially as a father. The false allegations originally reported in March were highly publicized and involved the care of my son. I am grateful for so many things and grateful for so many people who have supported me through this challenging time. I fully respect and accept the NFL’s decision.

To the fans, friends and family that I have made in Kansas City: I love you and thank you for your continued support. To the NFLPA, Mr. Ned Ehrlich: thank you for your dedication, understanding and guidance throughout this process. To the NFL, Commissioner Goodell and everyone who assisted in this investigation: thank you for your time and for conducting a thorough investigation. I will not let you down.

To the Kansas City Chiefs, Clark Hunt, Brett Veach, Coach Reid, the entire organization and Chiefs Kingdom: you gave me a home when everyone doubted me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you all. I can assure that I will continue to work to be the person, player, and teammate that you envisioned me to be.

To my children, my beautiful children: I love you all dearly and promise you all that I will continue to strive to be the best father, the best friend, the best role model, and the best mentor that I can be.

I love you all.

This all started just over four months ago, when news broke that Overland Park police had been called to Hill’s home to investigate an incident of alleged battery. There have been many twists and turns to the story since then — a complete timeline of our coverage is below — but this story finally appears to have reached what seems to be its conclusion.

Up next for the Chiefs is training camp, where players are expected to report starting on Tuesday.

The timeline of events

• March 15: Report: Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill involved in investigation for alleged battery

• March 26: Andy Reid says he has not personally spoken to Hill

• April 18: Report: Tyreek Hill temporarily lost custody of 3-year-old son

• April 18: Report: Letter shows NFL sought information on Tyreek Hill

• April 25: No criminal charges will be filed against Tyreek Hill or Crystal Espinal; Chiefs, Tyreek Hill issue statements

• April 26: Tyreek Hill’s criminal case reopened after release of new audio

• April 26: Chiefs general manager Brett Veach issues statement regarding Tyreek Hill

• April 27: Clark Hunt holds media availability but remains mum on next steps for Tyreek Hill

• May 1: Report: NFL not expected to take action on Tyreek Hill “in the very near future”

• May 2: Report: Tyreek Hill’s lawyer denies child abuse claims in letter to NFL

• May 4: Andy Reid issues non-statement on Tyreek Hill situation

• May 22: Roger Goodell speaks on Tyreek Hill matter during league meeting

• June 7: Johnson County DA says Tyreek Hill’s criminal case ‘no longer active’

• June 7: NFL Network: No minicamp for Tyreek Hill, but training camp likely

• June 8: Johnson County D.A.’s comments have ‘no impact’ on Tyreek Hill’s NFL future

• June 13: Chiefs head coach Andy Reid offers no new comment on Tyreek Hill’s status

• June 26: Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill met with NFL for eight-hour interview Wednesday, expected to be at training camp

• July 9: 610 Sports Radio releases extended Tyreek Hill audio recording