NFL teams
Vaughn McClure, ESPN Staff Writer 8y

Falcons aware of domestic violence allegations against Ra'Shede Hageman

NFL, Atlanta Falcons

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Atlanta Falcons coach Dan Quinn on Monday confirmed that the team became aware of domestic violence allegations against defensive lineman Ra'Shede Hageman in March, but Quinn said the team will not comment on the incident until the league reviews the matter through the personal conduct policy.

According to the Atlanta-Journal Constitution, Hageman faces three misdemeanor charges stemming from an incident with the mother of his child. The DeKalb County (Georgia) Magistrate Court did not immediately respond to a request from ESPN for a detailed report of the incident.

"We're aware of the serious allegations that are there," Quinn said Monday. "Under the player conduct policy, we're not allowed to comment on any investigation forthright. But we have been aware of those [allegations] but won't further comment until the league comes to a final conclusion and all the facts have been brought forth."

When contacted Monday, NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said, "This is under review of the NFL's personal conduct policy."

Quinn was asked why Hageman, a 2014 second-round pick out of Minnesota, was kept on the 53-man roster following the incident. The Falcons cut linebacker Prince Shembo last season after an arrest for kicking and killing his girlfriend's dog, and the team also let go of undrafted linebacker Torrey Green in August after sexual assault allegations.

"I'm not going to comment further on that due to the player conduct," Quinn said. "Each situation is different. For us with this one, we're certainly going to allow the appropriate channels to take place."

Quinn said Hageman was not inactive against Tampa Bay in the season opener as a result of the incident. He said the decision to sit Hageman was related to the Buccaneers' offensive scheme and how the Falcons would play more nickel defense.

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