The Buffalo Bills signed Gable Steveson, a former WWE wrestler and Olympic gold medalist who was once arrested on suspicion of sexual assault, in one of the most surprising moves of the NFL offseason.
The 6-foot-1, 275-pound Steveson won gold in the 125kg freestyle competition for Team USA at the Covid-delayed 2020 Olympics in Tokyo and made a appearance in WWE at SummerSlam in August 2021. He will join on a three-year contract. according to ESPN.
Speaking on Friday when his surprise move to the Bills was announced, Steveson said: “I’ve been fortunate to compete at the highest level in my sport, but I’m looking forward to the challenge of seeing how my wrestling skills can translate to the soccer”. I’m grateful to coach (Sean) McDermott, (general manager) Brandon Beane and the Buffalo Bills organization for giving me this opportunity.’
In June 2019, Steveson was arrested on suspicion of criminal sexual conduct with another wrestler, Dylan Martinez, after a woman said she had been raped and went to a hospital for treatment. Both were acquitted six months later due to what prosecutors said was “inadequate evidence.”
Hennepin County Prosecutor Mike Freeman was informed. by Associated Press In December 2019 he said: ‘There are often conflicting versions of what happened and this case is no exception. In the interest of justice, there is insufficient evidence to file charges and fairly prosecute this case. “We appreciate her (the victim’s) bravery in reporting this incident to the police.”
Olympic gold medal winner Gable Steveson joined the Bills on a three-year contract.
When news of his arrest resurfaced after he signed with WWE, Steveson, who was never charged, addressed the allegations in a statement to Front row news.
He said: ‘One of the challenges for me personally, especially in recent months/years, has been reading criticism and attacks on my character from people who don’t know me personally or my values.
“No one ever pressed charges and the entire episode has been difficult for everyone involved.
“In the future, people who don’t know me will be able to see that kindness, respect and empathy are virtues that I take very seriously in my life.”
Steveson, 24, could now be just the second man to win Olympic gold and a Super Bowl after Bob Hayes.
Hayes won gold in the 100 meters and gold in the 4×100 meters, coincidentally also in Tokyo, in 1964, as well as the 1964 Super Bowl with the Dallas Cowboys.
Steveson has been identified by Bills head coach Sean McDermott to play on the defensive line. ESPN says other NFL teams were interested in signing Steveson.
He won two national championships and three Big-Ten Conference championships in wrestling, but did not play football.
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