Kareem Hunt Cut After Video Of Him Striking Woman Surfaces

FOXBORO, MA — The Patriots' top rival for the No. 1 seed in the AFC made the stunning move of cutting an electric young star after video surfaced of him striking a woman.

TMZ published the video earlier Friday. The video shows Hunt pushing and kicking a 19-year-old woman in a Cleveland hotel in February. The incident had previously been reported, but the video only surfaced Friday.

Police had been called to the scene, but no charges were filed and no arrests were made.

"Earlier this year, we were made aware of an incident involving running back Kareem Hunt," the Chiefs said in a statement. "At that time, the National Football League and law enforcement initiated investigations into the issue. As part of our internal discussions with Kareem, several members of our management team spoke directly to him. Kareem was not truthful in those discussions. The video released today confirms that fact. We are releasing Kareem immediately."

The move is stunning because of the NFL's history of being slow, indecisive, and lenient regarding high-profile disciplinary issues, including ones involving domestic violence.

Also, the Chiefs are ridding themselves of a 23-year-old running back who has 14 touchdowns this season. He led the NFL in rushing last season.

"I want to apologize for my actions," Hunt told ESPN Friday night. "I deeply regret what I did. I hope to move on from this."

The Patriots trail the Chiefs by one game in the race for the top seed in the AFC. New England has already beaten Kansas City this year in Foxboro.

(Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)