Atlanta Falcons release player arrested on child sex crime charge

The National Football League’s (NFL) Atlanta Falcons have released a linebacker after he was arrested on a child sex crime charge, the team announced Sunday.

“After being made aware today of allegations involving Barkevious Mingo and gathering information on the matter, the Atlanta Falcons have terminated his contract,” the Falcons said in a statement on Sunday 

The Arlington Police Department (APD)  told ESPN that officers arrested Mingo on Thursday on a charge of indecency with a child-sexual contact. APD said that Mingo turned himself to authorities. 

According to Texas penal code, the charge relates to engaging in sexual contact with a child younger than 17 years of age or causing the child to engage in sexual acts. 

The law firm representing Mingo, Chris Lewis & Associates, told CNN that the allegations against Mingo are “completely baseless” 

“At this stage, our side has very limited information. What we do know is these allegations are from over two years ago and are completely untrue,” the law firm said in its statement. “Mr. Mingo is the victim of a false claim, and we believe this is motivated by money or some other ulterior motive.”

Mingo, a first-round pick by the Cleveland Browns in 2013, played for five NFL teams in eight seasons, winning a Super Bowl with the New England Patriots in 2016.

He faces up to 20 years in prison under the state law. 

Mingo, 30, was released on $25,000 bail, according to Tarrant County, Texas, records

The Hill has reached out to the NFL and the Arlington Police Department for comment.