Controversial former Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt has been given a second chance in the NFL after being signed by the Cleveland Browns.
Hunt, a Pro Bowl pick as a rookie in 2017 on his way to a repeat in 2018 with the Kansas City Chiefs, is currently on the exempt list while the NFL investigates an assault captured on video last February.
The incident prompted his immediate release by the Chiefs in November.
Hunt would become a restricted free agent in March 2020.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on air Monday that Hunt was facing a "10 or 12 game" suspension and could even be suspended for the "majority or the entire 2019 season."
Browns general manager John Dorsey drafted Hunt out of Toledo and has been in contact with him during an ongoing suspension.
"My relationship and interaction with Kareem since 2016 in college was an important part of this decision making process but we then did extensive due diligence with many individuals, including clinical professionals, to have a better understanding of the person he is today and whether it was prudent to sign him," Dorsey said in a statement.
"There were two important factors: one is that Kareem took full responsibility for his egregious actions and showed true remorse and secondly, just as importantly, he is undergoing and is committed to necessary professional treatment and a plan that has been clearly laid out."
Hunt issued a statement Monday after the deal became official.
"First off, I would like to once again apologise for my actions last year. What I did was wrong and inexcusable," Hunt said.
"That is not the man I was raised to be, and I've learned a great deal from that experience and certainly should have been more truthful about it after the fact...
"I also understand the expectations that the Browns have clearly laid out and that I have to earn my way back to the NFL."
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said during his Super Bowl week address that the league hoped to finish an investigation, and render any decision on discipline, very soon.
Hunt rushed for 1,327 yards as a rookie. He had 824 yards through 11 games in 2018.
