A former Texas Christian University football player got probation Monday for assaulting his girlfriend in October, the Tarrant County criminal district attorney's office announced.
KaVontae Turpin pleaded guilty to assault causing bodily injury and will serve two years of deferred adjudication probation as part of his plea agreement, according to the district attorney's office.
Turpin will be required to complete a 27-week partner abuse intervention program through SafeHaven of Tarrant County.
Fort Worth police were called in October to an apartment near University Drive after neighbors called 911 to complain about the couple's loud argument.
Witnesses reported that they saw Turpin "manhandle" his girlfriend, who was visiting from out of town, and drag her across the parking lot while she screamed for help, the district attorney's office said.
If Turpin successfully completes his probation, the conviction will be removed from his record.
Prosecutor Lloyd Whelchel said in a statement that Turpin was held accountable for his conduct.
"While KaVontae Turpin may have been a star on the football field, his actions here are unacceptable and will not [be] tolerated," Whelchel said.
Resources for domestic violence survivors
To find emergency shelter or to talk with a professional as a victim or as a concerned friend or family member, contact:
The Family Place | 24-Hour Crisis Hotline: 214-941-1991
Genesis Women's Shelter and Support: 214-946-4357
Brighter Tomorrows: 972-262-8383
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
Additional domestic violence resources around Dallas County can be found here. Tarrant County resources can be found here.
