Veteran linebacker Barkevious Mingo was released by the Atlanta Falcons this weekend after he turned himself into police in Arlington, Texas, on a charge of indecency with a child-sexual contact.
A lawyer representing Mingo had already released a statement before his release calling the allegation "completely baseless." Now another lawyer is criticizing the Falcons for releasing Mingo.
Chris Lewis, the lead counsel for former Falcons’ LB Barkevious Mingo, called the accusation of indecency against his client, “a lie.”
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 12, 2021
Here is Lewis’ statement to ESPN: pic.twitter.com/GuuA0XiuoN
Mingo faces a second-degree felony charge, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison in Texas. He was released from jail on $25,000 bond.
The lawyer who called the allegations "baseless" added that the allegations are from over two years ago. He also said he believes the claims are motivated by money or "some other ulterior motive."
Mingo signed a one-year contract with the Falcons in March after spending the 2020 campaign with the Chicago Bears.
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