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Athletes are often recognized for the trouble they get into off the field, but New England Patriots linebacker Darius Fleming reminded sports fans that there are many professional athletes who think of others first. Fleming made national headlines after news broke that he saved a woman from a burning car prior to a game. The authenticity of the story has since been called into question by a number of outlets.
Here’s what you need to know about Darius Fleming:
1. He Said He Saved a Woman From a Burning Car Prior to a Playoff Game
Just in a day’s work for @dfleming58. Hero’s work. t.co/eDPFn5Gvig
St. Rita High School posted the story about Fleming saving a woman in a burning car. The incident occurred two days prior to the Patriots playoff game against the Chiefs. According to Pats Pulpit, he witnessed the accident near Gillette Stadium and kicked in the window three times to rescue the person.
2. Fleming Claimed to Have Played With 22 Stitches in His Leg
Patriots LB Darius Fleming pulled a woman from a burning car Thursday on Rt. 1. Kicked in the passenger window and needed 22 stitches.
Fleming injured his leg while kicking in the window of the car. He required 22 stitches but still managed to play in the playoff game against the Chiefs. According to Pats Pulpit, he played in 26 snaps in the matchup.
3. The Story Has Been Disputed by the Foxborough Police
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After new broke that Fleming had saved someone in a crash, the story began to be disputed. According to TMZ, the Foxborough Police Department is looking into the accuracy of Fleming’s story. The police department reportedly had no knowledge of the type of incident that Fleming described occurring and wants to speak with Fleming.
4. Walpole Chief Deputy Chris Mackenzie Issued a Statement on the Crash
According to Deadspin, Mackenzie confirmed there was a crash but noted there were no injuries in the report:
All of the involved operators stated that a truck was turning right onto Foxhill Dr which vehicle’s two and three slowed down for. The operator of vehicle one did not stop and rear ended vehicle two. This caused vehicle two to rear end vehicle three. Vehicle one and two were towed from the scene. No injuries were reported.
Mackenzie said there was not a fire but stated: “The operator of that vehicle did make statements to one officer that a male party ‘kicked in my window, I think he was a patriot’.”
5. Fleming Was Drafted in the 5th Round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the 49ers
Fleming had a brief stint with the 49ers. He played two seasons for San Francisco before being waived by the team after the 2014 season. The Patriots signed him shortly after he was cut, and he has remained on the team since he was initially signed.