Video of Fowler includes ‘disturbing images’
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The NFL said video of Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. apparently refereeing a fight between his girlfriend and the mother of his child includes “disturbing images.”
Fowler took responsibility “for everything that happened” in the 30-second video released by TMZ Tuesday.
The surveillance tape shows Fowler and the two women standing outside an elevator and talking. Fowler appears to offer a hand gesture for them to start fighting and then steps back. One of the women kicks off her flip flops before they exchange punches. Fowler eventually pulls them apart.
“These are disturbing images and we will review the matter,” NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said.
Fowler said he is “embarrassed and have apologized for my actions to everyone involved.”
“As a family, we have been dealing with this moment and the conflict that led to it since this occurred,” Fowler said in a statement. “The video surfacing is a sad reminder that emotions got the best of all of us. I take 100 percent responsibility for everything that happened.”
The Jaguars said Fowler made them aware of the video before it was released.
“Dante brought the incident to our attention prior to the video being released and was embarrassed and remorseful,” the team said. “Violence of this type against others is unacceptable in our society and to our organization. We will continue to look into the incident while offering resources and providing support to Dante and his family to help them through this private matter.”
The Jaguars selected Fowler with the third overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft. The former Florida standout tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during the first hour of a rookie minicamp the following week and missed the entire season.
The Jaguars expect him to be fully recovered before the offseason program this year and make a significant impact in 2016.