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The Yorkie died
after Shembo, 23, an outside linebacker drafted by the Falcons
in 2014, told the girlfriend he kicked her dog while alone with
the pet at his suburban Atlanta apartment on April 15, according
to Gwinnett County Police.
"We are extremely disappointed that one of our players is
involved in something like this," the Falcons said in a
statement on Friday after learning of the charges against
Shembo. It said the National Football League team had decided to
waive Shembo.
The girlfriend found the dog unresponsive at Shembo's apartment
and rushed the pet to an animal hospital where it died, police
said.
Tests showed the dog had died of significant internal injuries
caused by blunt force, police said, and Shembo was charged with
aggravated animal cruelty.
After Shembo told the girlfriend he had kicked the dog, she
"ended their relationship," police said.
The 6-foot-2, 254-pound Shembo played college football at the
University of Notre Dame, and was chosen by the Falcons in the
fourth round of the 2014 draft, according to the team's website.
(Editing by David Adams and Mohammad Zargham)
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