Colts Linebacker Erik Walden Reportedly Attacked By Ex-Girlfriend
According to WSB-TV of Atlanta, Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Erik Walden reportedly was the victim of a physical incident involving his ex-girlfriend, in which she drove to Georgia from Tennessee to beat Walden and his current girlfriend up with a purchased bat and knife from Wal-Mart (via WSB-TV’s Jovita Moore):
While Walden was reportedly cut in the altercation, it appears that the injury wasn’t overly significant, as he’s not wanting to press charges. Fortunately, the Colts starting outside linebacker wasn’t seriously hurt all things considered. He started in 14 games for the team last season, recording 37 tackles and 6 sacks.
Oct 26, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) is hit by Indianapolis Colts linebacker Erik Walden (93) during the second half of their game at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 51-34. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
It doesn’t appear that Walden was at-fault here, as he wasn’t the attacker. However, any Colts fan can’t help but flashback to Nick Harper in the 2005 season, when his wife stabbed him in the knee with a filet knife during an argument. It couldn’t have come at a worse time for the Colts, as they were set to play the Pittsburgh Steelers in a January 15, 2006, Divisional Round playoff game shortly thereafter.
As a direct result, a noticeably laboring Harper picked up a timely Jerome Bettis fumble, only to get stunningly tackled by Ben Roethlisberger with 21 seconds left in the game on a would-be game-winning touchdown return. Of course, the Colts ended up losing that game 21-18, as Mike Vanderjagt shanked a potential game tying 46 yard field goal in the closing seconds.
Fortunately for Walden and the Colts, not only was his injury not apparently overly significant, but it has occurred in the offseason and not leading up to their biggest game of the season. As such, Walden was able to escape an otherwise dangerous situation, although still at a significant cost, as his girlfriend reportedly suffered a broken arm.
It’s not the first time that Walden has been involved in a domestic incident either, as on November 25, 2011, he was arrested for a physical altercation with his girlfriend that sent her to the hospital for treatment as a member of the Green Bay Packers. However, no charges were ultimately filed at his girlfriend’s request.
In the offseason, team’s typically worry about their players because they are no longer under a regimented schedule and have ample free time on their hands. While this wasn’t necessarily Walden’s fault by any means, the Colts have to be pretty concerned when one of their players falls under attack by a knife.
Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Erik Walden (93) tackles Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) during the second quarter in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports