Atlanta Falcons DE Takkarist McKinley sent for mental evaluation
Wednesday 16 January 2019 08:39, UK
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Takkarist McKinley was sent for a mental evaluation after police were called to a hotel in Los Angeles.
TMZ Sports reported that a friend became concerned for McKinley's well-being and summoned police.
No criminal charges were filed. TMZ Sports says McKinley was cooperative when detained by officers.
The Falcons acknowledged the incident in a statement from head coach Dan Quinn, who said the team will do their best to support McKinley.
"We were recently made aware of the situation involving Takk in Los Angeles earlier today," Quinn said.
"Any time a situation occurs that is or could be related to mental health issues we take it very seriously.
"We will do everything we possibly can to support and assist Takk, as our players' mental and physical well-being are always our top priority."
McKinley played collegiately at UCLA. He was a first-round pick by the Falcons in 2017, making headlines on draft night with an emotional tribute to the late grandmother who raised him.
This past season, McKinley played in 15 games with eight starts. He led the Falcons with seven sacks and ranked second with 15 hits on the quarterback.
