CINCINNATI — Bengals running back Joe Mixon was found not guilty of aggravated menacing, a county judge ruled Thursday. The ruling came after a careful review of all the evidence presented at trial, including stipulations and testimony. The judge stated that the city failed to meet the burden of proof required for a conviction.
The alleged incident occurred on January 21, the day before the Bengals faced the Buffalo Bills in the AFC divisional playoffs. Mixon had been accused of pulling a gun on a woman after a road rage incident and making threatening remarks. However, Mixon’s defense attorneys argued that the woman was enraged and did not believe that Mixon would cause serious harm.
The Bengals organization expressed their satisfaction with the verdict and stated that they are looking forward to an exciting season with Mixon as an important part of the team. If Mixon had been convicted, he could have faced up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Mixon, who has spent his entire six-year career with the Bengals, agreed to a restructured contract in July. He had a successful season in 2022, making 14 starts and accumulating 1,255 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns. He is fifth in franchise history in career rushing and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2021.
Two major factors played a crucial role in the case: whether the victim was angry instead of afraid and whether there was enough evidence to prove that Mixon pointed a gun. Mixon’s defense team presented evidence showing that there were no guns matching the description provided by the woman at Mixon’s home.
During closing arguments, Mixon’s co-counsel did not dispute that Mixon was driving erratically and cut off the woman. However, they emphasized that the case was not about Mixon’s driving behavior but about whether he committed aggravated menacing.
While criminal proceedings have concluded for Mixon, he still faces a lawsuit related to another gun-related incident earlier in the year. In March, Mixon’s teenage neighbor was shot, resulting in felony assault charges against Lamonte Brewer, Mixon’s sister’s boyfriend. The lawsuit alleges that Mixon supplied the gun and bullets used in the shooting.
It is worth noting that Mixon has a history of legal issues. In 2014, while a student at Oklahoma, he entered a plea deal after being accused of punching a woman and was suspended from football activities for one year.
In conclusion, Joe Mixon, Cincinnati Bengals running back, has been found not guilty of aggravated menacing. The judge ruled that the city failed to present enough evidence to prove the charge. Mixon’s defense team argued that the woman was enraged and did not believe Mixon would cause serious harm. The Bengals organization expressed their satisfaction with the verdict and looks forward to an exciting season with Mixon as a key player. However, Mixon still faces a lawsuit related to another gun-related incident earlier this year.