New York Giants offensive tackle Michael Bowie is facing one count of domestic assault and battery and two counts of malicious injury to property under $1,000 after being formally accused of abusing his girlfriend. According to the Tulsa World, the incident happened earlier this summer, and as of Saturday Bowie has a warrant out for his arrest on bonds totaling $17,000.
Tulsa County Assistant District Attorney Kenneth Elmore said reports about the incident indicate the rumored altercation between Bowie and his girlfriend began over finances, but then became physical when Bowie’s girlfriend made a remark about his mother. A report by the Tulsa World stated the following about Elmore’s findings:
“Elmore said police determined Bowie grabbed his girlfriend by the neck during the argument and threw her on the ground, then broke two TVs and punched a hole in her wall.”
Bowie is a native of Tulsa, Oklahoma and all indications suggest the alleged altercation happened in Bixby, Oklahoma. The 25-year-old lineman signed a partially guaranteed deal with the Giants in January after previous stints with the Seattle Seahawks and the Cleveland Browns.
The Giants released a statement following news of Bowie’s arrest warrant.
“We were made aware of the Michael Bowie situation Saturday afternoon,” the statement read in part. “We immediately notified NFL security. Michael will not make the trip for our game in Cleveland as we gather more information on the issue.”
In 2016, Giants place kicker Josh Brown was suspended one game for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. Prior to the suspension, Brown’s ex-wife told police of over 20 physically violent encounters with Brown. He was cut from the team later in the season after admitting to abusing his then wife, Molly.
A 2014 NFL policy change calls for a six-game suspension, without pay, for players found in violation of the league’s personal conduct policy regarding assault, battery, domestic violence or sexual assault that involves physical force. A second violation would subject players to a lifetime ban, although NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated mitigating factors, such as previous history and the condition of the victim, would also be factored into such decisions.
