Former TCU football standout pleads guilty to assaulting longtime girlfriend
Former TCU star football player KaVontae Turpin pleaded guilty to assaulting his girlfriend, the Tarrant County District Attorney’s office announced on Monday.
Turpin faced a misdemeanor assault charge from an arrest in late October, where he allegedly “dragged” and “slammed” his girlfriend, Raiesha Atwater, in an apartment complex parking lot.
Turpin pleaded guilty to assault causing bodily injury — family violence in the Tarrant County Criminal Court No. 5 on Monday.
As part of his plea agreement, Turpin will serve two years’ deferred adjudication probation, and must complete a 27-week Partner Abuse Intervention Program through SafeHaven of Tarrant County.
“While KaVontae Turpin may have been a star on the football field, his actions here are unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” prosecutor Lloyd Whelchel said in a statement. “Turpin was held accountable for his conduct, and will have the next two years to reflect on what he has done.”
Turpin apologized for the assault charge in a statement issued through his attorney, Brandon Barnett of Fort Worth’s Barnett Howard and Williams firm. Turpin made the same statement to Judge Jamie Cummings on Monday morning.
“On October 20th, 2018 I grabbed and pulled Ms. Atwater and I understand she felt pain as a result,” Turpin said. “For this, I am truly sorry. However, I did not strike her with my hand. I accept full responsibility for my actions and I am dedicated to being accountable to Ms. Atwater and this Court going forward.”
Turpin faced a different domestic violence charge against Atwater stemming from a March 2018 incident in New Mexico. That charge was dismissed earlier this month, as Turpin pleaded down to a disorderly conduct charge.
The impact of Monday’s guilty plea as far as Turpin’s desire to play professional football is unknown for now. He went undrafted in last weekend’s NFL Draft, and has yet to land a job as an undrafted free agent.
Turpin ended his college career as TCU’s top returner in program history. He returned four punts and two kickoffs for TDs in his career, including one of each last season. Turpin also had 410 yards receiving with three TDs on 29 receptions.
Turpin’s college career ended following the Fort Worth arrest.
This story was originally published April 29, 2019 at 4:32 PM with the headline "Former TCU football standout pleads guilty to assaulting longtime girlfriend."
