Kansas City Chiefs Linebacker, Willie Gay, Suspended Four Games
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker, Willie Gay, has been suspended for four games for a violation of the league’s personal conduct policy. In January, Gay was arrested on a misdemeanor criminal damage charge when he was visiting the mother of his newly born son. During the visit, an argument broke out between the two, resulting in Gay breaking a vacuum within the house. Gay was arrested after the incident but played for the Chiefs in the playoffs after he was released from jail. Gay agreed to a diversion program to conclude the case in July.
The third-year linebacker from Mississippi State plays a significant role in the new-look Chiefs defense. Slotted in as the starter next to second-year linebacker Nick Bolton, Gay played 92% of the snaps for the Chiefs in their win on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chiefs use Gay in a variety of different ways with his athletic skillset. With Gay suspended for four games, the Chiefs will turn to rookie linebacker and third-round pick, Leo Chenal, to step into the open role with Gay now sidelined.
The Chiefs were hoping to have a breakout year for Gay. The Chiefs chose not to resign linebacker Ben Niemann and cut veteran linebacker Anthony Hitchens in the offseason. So far on the season, Gay has racked up 16 tackles and two deflected passes. The Chiefs will now have to face a tough four-game stretch without one of their starters. Kansas City will go on the road to face the Colts this week. Gay will also miss Kansas City’s games against the Buccaneers, Raiders, and Bills. Willie Gay will not appeal the suspension, so the Chiefs will be missing a huge part of their defense in the upcoming weeks.
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