The NFL has reportedly determined that Kansas City Chiefs defensive backs coach Dave Merritt did not violate the league’s personal-conduct policy following an offseason arrest for domestic battery, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. As a result, Merritt is not expected to face discipline from the league.
The NFL decided to investigate the situation after Merritt, 54, was arrested and charged with domestic battery in April. At the time, the county’s district attorney’s office filed a complaint alleging Merritt “unlawfully, knowingly or recklessly [caused] bodily harm” to a daughter. Merritt has five children, including two daughters.
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The following month, the charges against Merritt were dismissed without prejudice. Merritt’s attorney claimed that the district attorney’s office took a closer look at the situation and decided to dismiss the charges.
Though Merritt was no longer facing a legal situation, he was still subject to punishment from the NFL. The league can issue discipline to players or coaches in cases where the legal system declines to pursue — or dismisses — charges. If the NFL determines a player or coach put themselves in a bad position, the league can still take action. That won’t happen in this instance.
Merritt has coached the Chiefs’ defensive backs since the 2019 season. Prior to that, Merritt spent 14 years with the New York Giants. He worked for the team from 2004 to 2017. Merritt spent the 2018 season with the Arizona Cardinals before joining the Chiefs the following year.
Merritt has interviewed for at least one defensive-coordinator position during his career, but has never held that role.
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