Earlier today, there were reports that Lucky Whitehead missed his arraignment date for a previously unknown shoplifting charge. Now, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport is reporting (via Twitter) that the Cowboys have released the wide receiver.
Back in June, the 25-year-old was arrested for misdemeanor petty larceny in Virginia, and he was scheduled for arraignment in mid-July. However, the wideout was a no-show, and now there’s a warrant out for his arrest. Whitehead is accused of taking less than $200 worth of items from a convenience store, according to Charean Williams of ProFootballTalk.com. ESPN.com’s Todd Archer tweets that the organization was prepared to move on from the wideout whether or not he was involved in the incident.
Considering the Cowboys’ depth at receiver, there were already questions about whether Whitehead would even earn a spot on this year’s squad. The former undrafted free agent out of Florida Atlantic proved to be a capable return man during his first two seasons in the league, averaging 25.6 yards per kick return and 6.9 yards per punt return between 2015 and 2016. However, in that same span, the receiver only hauled in nine catches for 64 yards. Following today’s news, it’s looking like the team will be relying on Ryan Switzer, Brice Butler, and Noah Brown to serve as back ups for Dez Bryant, Terrance Williams, and Cole Beasley.
Earlier today, Rapoport spoke to agent Dave Rich, who claimed his client wasn’t in Virginia during the time of the alleged incident. According to police, the theft took place at 1:30 in the morning, but Whitehead landed at Dulles International Airport in Virginia at 7:30. The organization, agent, and player weren’t aware of the arrest, and Whitehead “claims it wasn’t him” (all via Twitter). It sounds like the player is citing a case of mistaken identity, but the Cowboys apparently weren’t willing to see how the ordeal plays out.
The Cowboys have endured a number of off-the-field incidents this offseason, and the team is currently waiting for clarity on the availability of Ezekiel Elliott and Damien Wilson.
This team is embarrassing. About time they start enforcing some type of accountability. Offseason has been one arrest, or issue, after the other.
He wasn’t even in the state until 6 hours after it happened? And they’re gonna cut him regardless?? Lol
Can you not read? He’s expendable to begin with, and the other WRs mentioned above show more promise on offense than Whitehead.
If he hadn’t caused problems in the past they wouldn’t have cut him. I liked lucky but we have a new receiver that can do what he does.