The Kansas City Chiefs organization is facing a serious off-field crisis following the arrest of long-time Defensive Backs Coach Dave Merritt. The 54-year-old veteran coach was taken into custody last night on charges of misdemeanor domestic battery involving his own daughter.
According to official court documents from Johnson County, Merritt is accused of “unlawfully, knowingly, or recklessly” causing bodily harm to the victim. Because the incident involves a family member, the charge is being classified as a domestic violence offense.
Merritt, a key architect of the Chiefs’ secondary during their recent Super Bowl runs, is scheduled for his first court appearance at 2:00 p.m. in Johnson County District Court.
The Chiefs have yet to release a formal statement regarding Merritt’s status with the team or potential disciplinary action. This news comes as a massive shock to the NFL community, as Merritt has been widely praised for his leadership and mentorship of young players in Kansas City for years.