Former NFL running back, Zac Stacy, has been sentenced to six months in jail and one year of probation following his conviction for domestic violence. The incident, which occurred in 2021, was caught on camera and shows Stacy attacking his ex-girlfriend Kristin Evans by throwing her around and punching her in the head before slamming her into a flat-screen television. Stacy was arrested in November of that year.
Stacy pled guilty to two counts of criminal mischief in exchange for getting his three counts of domestic violence battery dropped. His sentencing in Orange County, Florida, followed his plea.
In her restraining order application, Evans described the attack in graphic detail, saying that Stacy punched her several times in the head and threw her into the television. She also said that he body-slammed her into their son’s bouncy seat.
Evans wrote, “He then picked me up and threw me into my TV. The TV began to fall and he turned to make sure I wasn’t getting up. As I laid on the floor, he began to yell at me, telling me I’m destructive. He then picked me up off the floor and off my feet and body slammed me into our son’s bouncy seat.”
Stacy was a record-setting running back at Vanderbilt University, playing four years for the Commodores. He was named Second Team All-SEC in his 2012 senior season and became the first Vanderbilt player to rush for 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons. Stacy was drafted in the fifth round of the 2013 draft by the Rams, playing two years in St. Louis. He then played for one season for the New York Jets, where he appeared in eight games. Stacy finished his career with 1,355 rushing yards.
Stacy claimed that prior to the attack, he had been treated in rehab for anxiety and depression. He also claimed that Evans had had an affair with his financial advisor, but he visited her house to support her.
Stacy stated, “She knew I was down; she knew I was going through anxiety and depression. She knew I was trying to close this gap that’s between me and my son, and she’s just upset that she got caught, and she’s upset I’m not taking care of him like she expected … And now she took it this far.”
Following the incident, Stacy issued an apology, writing:
“I am tremendously sorry and I sincerely hope the forgiveness comes down the road. The shame & guilt on my end is heavy & rightfully so. I made devastating mistake & that mistake has affected the people and communities around me that I love so dear.”
He also discussed his mental health struggles, stating:
“The dynamic of my mental health has never been out in the public because I dealt with it individually & privately … through medications, therapy and coping mechanisms.. healthy & unhealthy. Neither here nor there … despite the unknowns & regardless of the outcomes … All I want to do is move forward with peace so I can progress into a better man & father. ZJ I miss you & I love you baby boy, & I’m sorry that I put your mother in this situation .. along with you & I promise I’m going to do everything I can.. even with the little power that I have left .. to be the best papa I can be.”
Stacy’s sentencing has raised awareness of the issue of domestic violence and the importance of seeking help for mental health issues. It is a reminder that no matter what challenges one may be facing, there is never an excuse for violent behavior, especially towards those we love.