Updated March 5: Indianapolis Colts tight end Drew Ogletree has been cleared of all charges after being arrested for a domestic violence incident back in December.
“Today the State of Indiana filed an unconditional dismissal of all charges against Andrew Ogletree,” read a statement released on behalf of Ogletree, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. “While preliminary investigations may have led to an arrest, that was only the start of the investigation process. Law enforcement officials continued their investigation into the facts of this case, and after completing their review of the evidence, the Hendricks County Prosecutor dismissed the case. Andrew has always maintained his innocence and he has been fully exonerated.
“Andrew would like to thank the Hendricks County Prosecutor’s Office and the Avon Police Department for their professionalism and their never-ending pursuit of the truth,” the statement continued. “Additionally, Andrew deeply appreciates his family, friends and fans who stood by him during these proceedings. Finally, Andrew is forever grateful to his attorneys who believed in his innocence and fought tirelessly for today’s result.”
While the legal battle may be over, Ogletree is still under investigation by the NFL. The league will keep Ogletree on the commissioner’s exempt list, where he has been since the initial incident in December.
Indianapolis Colts tight end Drew Ogletree was arrested and accused of domestic violence.
The second-year player was charged with two level six felonies — domestic violence committed in the presence of a child less than 16 years old and domestic battery resulting in moderate bodily injuries — and, as of last night, remained in custody. A level six felony in Indiana can result in a sentence of up to 2.5 years and a fine of up to $10,000.
The Avon, Indiana police said the arrest stemmed from an incident on Tuesday night, where officers were dispatched to address a domestic disturbance between the 2022 sixth-round pick and a woman.
In a probable cause affidavit provided to ESPN, the first officer on the scene found the woman in an upstairs bedroom in pain. She told police that Ogletree “body slammed” her onto the ground during the argument. Court documents acquired by FOX 59 report Ogletree told police the victim attempted to smack him before he pushed the victim to the ground.
Police reporting on the incident indicate the dispute began after the victim broke Ogletree’s phone. This confrontation occurred while Ogletree’s young son was in the home, per the affidavit.
The Colts released a statement, saying:
“We are aware of the disturbing allegations involving Drew Ogletree. The team takes these matters seriously. We have notified the NFL and are in the process of gathering more information. We will have no further comment at this time.”
After spending his entire rookie season on injured reserve, the Colts tight end appeared in 12 games this season and started nine of those. Ogletree has nine receptions on 21 targets for 147 yards and two touchdowns. It is unknown whether Ogletree will play in the Colts’ matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders this weekend.
