Falcons terminate Barkevious Mingo's contract after indecency with child charge
The Atlanta Falcons released linebacker Barkevious Mingo on Saturday after he was arrested in Texas on a charge of indecency with a child-sexual contact.
"After being made aware today of allegations involving Barkevious Mingo and gathering information on the matter, the Atlanta Falcons have terminated his contract," the team said in a statement.
Arlington police said Mingo was arrested Thursday on a second-degree felony charge, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison in Texas. The charge relates to engaging in sexual contact with someone younger than 17 or causing the child to engage in sexual conduct.
Mingo was released from jail on $25,000 bond. The details surrounding the arrest are not yet clear.
The 30-year-old's attorney called the allegations "completely baseless" in a statement, according to ESPN.
"At this stage, our side has very limited information," the attorney said. "What we do know is these allegations are from over two years ago and are completely untrue. Mr. Mingo is the victim of a false claim, and we believe this is 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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