Saints running back Alvin Kamara took on Tuesday, July 11 a plea deal relating to his involvement in a 2022 fight in Las Vegas, according to a report from Las Vegas TV station KLAS.
Kamara and three other men, including Colts cornerback Chris Lammons, originally faced one misdemeanor charge and one felony charge relating to a fight with Darnell Greene. Per a previous report from KLAS, the altercation occurred on Feb. 5, 2022, the day before the Pro Bowl.
Greene attempted to enter an elevator at Drai's Nightclub in Las Vegas alongside Kamara and his group, at which point the Saints running back placed his hand on Greene's chest to keep him from entering. When Greene pushed Kamara's hand off him, the running back allegedly pushed him, while Lammons allegedly punched him and knocked him into a wall.
Video of the altercation shows the group push, then strike, Greene, knocking him to the floor. Footage shows the group continued striking and stomping him while he was on the ground. (Viewer discretion is advised.)
MORE: What to know about charges against Alvin Kamara
Kamara's attorney David Chesnoff confirmed to ESPN that his client had accepted a plea deal to drop the felony charge against him, saying he was "looking forward to a successful NFL season."
While Kamara's criminal case may be behind him — civil suit notwithstanding — he may still face discipline from the NFL. Here's everything you need to know about any potential punishment he faces from the league:
Will Alvin Kamara be suspended by the NFL?
It seems like the NFL is planning to suspend Kamara even despite his plea deal. Kamara met with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on Wednesday, Aug. 2 to discuss potential discipline for his altercation.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport believes that the meeting will eventually result in Kamara receiving a suspension. It's just a matter of how long it might be.
"I would expect a suspension for Alvin Kamara," Rapoport said. "But what's going to determine whether it's two games, four games, six games potential was what was behind it? Why did Alvin Kamara do what he appears to have done? The altercation that appears in that video. Is there something that he can talk to with Goodell to make him at least have some understanding and realize what led to that altercation? Obviously, the background there for that conversation will be key."
From Inside Training Camp: #Saints RB Alvin Kamara is expected to be suspended for his incident in Las Vegas, but how long could be determined from his meeting with Roger Goodell. pic.twitter.com/c6npkDmHVB
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 2, 2023
It isn't a surprise that Kamara is facing a suspension. As Rapoport mentioned, the Saints prepared for the possibility, and NFL fans have known that the league has been considering discipline since it released a brief statement on the charges against Kamara that read: "We have been closely monitoring all developments in the matter, which remains under review."
The league's personal conduct policy stipulates "it is not enough simply to avoid being found guilty of a crime." It also takes into account matters of “disposition of a criminal proceeding," including players who take plea deals to lesser offenses.
Per the NFL's conduct policy, some of the relevant offenses Kamara may have committed include:
- Actual or threatened physical violence against another person, including dating violence, domestic violence, child abuse, and other forms of family violence
- Assault and/or battery, including sexual assault or other sex offenses
The conduct policy indicates any player found to have committed a violation involving criminal assault or battery, among others, is subject to at least a six-suspension. Per NFL:
"With regard to violations of the Personal Conduct Policy that involve: (i) criminal assault or battery (felony) ... a first offense will subject the offender to a baseline suspension without pay of six games, with consideration given to any aggravating or mitigating factors."
MORE: Why didn't Saints trade Alvin Kamara?
What charges did Alvin Kamara face?
Kamara on March 2 pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of conspiracy to commit battery and felony charge of battery resulting in substantial bodily harm. He was originally scheduled to appear in court on July 31.
But the Saints running back on Tuesday agreed to a plea deal that saw him take on a misdemeanor charge of breach of peace, with prosecutors dropping the felony charges against him. As part of the deal, he must also perform community service and pay $100,000 to the victim for his medical bills.
As reported by KLAS, Greene filed a civil suit against Kamara in Louisiana in October, seeking $10 million in damages.
TSN's Jacob Camenker also contributed to this report.
