Chiefs' Willie Gay Jr. pleads not guilty; status for Bills game unknown

Kansas City Chiefs second-year linebacker Willie Gay Jr. was arrested Wednesday night on a misdemeanor charge of criminal property damage of less than $1,000 regarding an incident that involved an alleged argument he had with his son's mother ahead of Sunday's home playoff game versus the Buffalo Bills. 

According to an update offered by Adam Teicher of ESPN, Gay pleaded not guilty on Thursday. He's expected to be released at some point ahead of the evening hours and is due back in court on March 2. 

Per Teicher, Gay is accused of committing $225 worth of damage to a vacuum cleaner, cellphone screen protector, humidifier and a wall/door frame. Following Thursday's development, Gay cannot have contact with the mother of his three-month-old son or with the child until a civil judge hears the case. 

Court records show the Class B non-person misdemeanor "constitutes a domestic violence offense." Per reports, nobody suffered any injuries related to the matter, and no drugs or alcohol were involved. 

Gay didn't practice Thursday, and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo told reporters that head coach Andy Reid will address the 23-year-old's status for Sunday when he speaks during Friday's scheduled media availability.

The NFL could eventually punish Gay with a fine or suspension under its personal conduct policy but likely won't do anything of note before the Super Bowl because his next court date is in early March. However, Reid could choose to sit Gay through at least the weekend.