The Oakland Raiders have been one of the most active teams this offseason when it comes to signing players and while many have looked like a success, the news about linebacker Kaluka Maiava and his assault case is a black mark on the team as they start training camp later this month.
The Aaron Hernandez arrest on murder charges has put the focus on any NFL player getting into trouble and following the tight ends arrest, a number of players have been involved in incidents, including Maiava as well as Alfonso Dennard. The Raiders said that they had no comment on the situation to start, but earlier in the offseason general manager Reggie McKenzie said that the team was happy about the depth it had on defense, especially at linebacker.
The team signed Maiava to a contract this offseason, but they also brought in former Bears star Nick Roach as well as Kevin Burnett and Sio Moore in the draft, giving the team a brand new unit after last season. Rolando McClain and others did not do the job too well for the Raiders and after losing Philip Wheeler to the Dolphins, McKenzie did his best to reload the middle of the defense and so far head coach Dennis Allen has liked what he has seen from the unit.
Maiava and his brother were accused of assault in a case stemming from a March bar fight that saw the two beat up two men at Life's a Beach in Kihei on March 17, which came just days after he signed a three-year, $6 million contract after playing with the Browns for four years. The two will need to appear in court for an arraignment on July 25, which is the day that training camp starts for the Raiders and they are charged with a number of crimes, including third-degree assault, a misdemeanor, and fourth-degree criminal property damage, a petty misdemeanor, said Maui prosecuting attorney John Kim.
The charges could get them up to a year in jail and a $2,000 fine for the misdemeanor and the petty misdemeanor carries a maximum sentence of 30 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. The player was expected to be a solid contributor to the team next season and after going 4-12 the raiders are desperate for a rebound. The team added a number of new players this offseason, including quarterback Matt Flynn, Charles Woodson, Mike Jenkins, Tracy Porter, DJ Hayden in the draft as well as Burnett and Roach. The rookies are expected to contribute as well with Menelik Watson, Brice Butler, Latavis Murray and Nick Kasa the top picks.
