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Jerramy Stevens is back in the spotlight and making headlines.
The former NFL tight end, and Hope Solo’s husband, has been vocal recently, describing the media’s attention surrounding his wife’s 2014 domestic violence arrest a “witch hunt.”
Stevens is no stranger to issues with the law. He was charged with a DUI and served two-days in jail for the incident earlier this year – he was also driving the USWNT van at the time – and has had his fair share of run-ins with police since he played college football at the University of Washington.
Here’s what you need to know about the recently outspoken former athlete:
1. Stevens is a Former NFL Tight End & Played With Both Seattle & Tampa Bay
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Stevens was selected in the first-round by the Seattle Seahawks in the 2002 draft with the No. 28 overall pick. Despite previous run-ins with the law, including a 2000 arrest for sexual assault of a 19-year-old female University of Washington student, the Seahawks were adamant in their decision to select Stevens in the draft.
Stevens spent five years in Seattle, including an appearance in Super Bowl XL, before being traded to Tampa Bay in 2007. Stevens signed with the Buccaneers on April 29, 2007 and spent four seasons with the team. By the end of his NFL career, Stevens recorded 202 total receptions, averaging 11 yards per catch, as well as 22 touchdown catches.
2. His NFL Career Ended in 2010 After He Was Arrested for Marijuana Possession
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Stevens; NFL career ended in controversy early in the 2010 season when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers released him from the team following his arrest on two felony marijuana possession charges.
The charge came after Stevens was pulled over during a traffic stop for loud music and Tampa police searched his vehicle. The search found 38 grams of marijuana and Stevens was arrested before being released on $4,500 bail.
Stevens had been scheduled to make $1.425 million during the 2010 season.
3. He Married Hope Solo in November 2012
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Stevens’ marriage to USWNT goalie Hope Solo did not get off to a positive start. In fact, it’s one of the most bizarre love stories in recent sports history.
The two were first reportedly dating in 2012 and, not long after initial speculation of their relationship surfaced, the pair was in court after Stevens was accused of assaulting Solo. The situation escalated after an argument over where the couple would live post-marriage and Kirkland authorities were called to their home at 3:45 a.m. Court documents showed that Solo’s brother, Marcus, called 911.
Stevens was released after a Kirkland judge determined there was not enough evidence to hold him. KING5.com in Seattle reported the former NFL tight end and Solo were married the next day in a small ceremony near Snohomish, Washington.
Confirmed: Jerramy Stevens and Hope Solo were married tonight. Events of yesterday morning didn’t change plans. Sounds like more facts comin
Solo addressed her wedding to the media not long after the ceremony:
I’m happy. I’m happily married. I would never stand for domestic violence. I’ve never been hit in my life. It’s unfortunate, but that’s what the media can do. I’m happy in my life. I know the people closest to me are the only ones who really know what happened. The facts are out there if people really want to find them out — they can go and find them out in the police report. But I would never stand for domestic violence. I won’t read any of the negative things about me or my husband. Like I said, we’re happy, and ultimately that’s all that really matters.
4. Stevens Has Been Vocal in His Defense of Solo After Her 2014 Arrest
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Stevens has been back in the spotlight recently after making comments regarding the re-opened investigation surrounding Solo’s 2014 domestic violence arrest. Stevens called ESPN’s “Outside the Lines” report on Solo a “witch hunt,” adding that it was both unpatriotic and low class.
“It’s a witch hunt.” Hope Solo’s husband, Jerramy Stevens, comes to her defense amid domestic violence controversy. http://t.co/K7IhUJQC8n
Stevens told USA Today Sports:
It’s not hard for me because I know Hope can handle it. I think that what’s hard is that she’s the victim of something that was really scary and a really unfortunate incident. (She) being classified even remotely close to Ray Rice and these other domestic violence incidents is ridiculous and outright wrong. (People) put females in a box and want them to stay there and look pretty. Hope refuses to be put in that box. She wants to be treated as an equal. That’s not the case as we can see.
5. He Has a Long Arrest Record, Including a 2015 DUI Incident With Hope Solo
BREAKING: Jerramy Stevens in orange jumpsuit accused of domestic violence, involving Hope Solo: http://t.co/RI71tTLm
While Stevens has been quick to defend his wife and her recent run-ins with police, the former NFL’er has his own track record and it’s a long one.
Stevens first arrest came in July 2000 after he was arrested for sexual assault of a 19-year-old female University of Washington student. Despite loaded evidence, including the suspected use of a date rape drug, King County prosecutor Norm Maleng declined to file rape charges due to “confusing and conflicting statements.” In 2003, however, the accuser filed a civil suit and the parties exchanged upwards of $300,000 out of court.
He was also arrested in March 2011 on felony batter charges after punching two bounces in a Tampa bar. His most recent arrest came earlier this year when he was arrested for a DUI in Los Angeles. That wasn’t all though. Stevens was also driving with wife Hope Solo at the time and, for good measure, was driving the USWNT team van.
Stevens was sentenced to 30 days in jail, was ordered to enter a two-year alcohol program and will be under probation for four years. Solo, meanwhile, was suspended from the USWNT for 30 days.
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Jerramy Stevens, Hope Solo’s Husband: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know