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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Rypien, wife say he didn’t commit domestic violence assault; CTE medication not to blame

Mark Rypien talks with KHQ anchor Stephanie Vigil during an interview, March 28, 2018, at the station’s studios. (Dan Pelle / The Spokesman-Review)

Former Super Bowl MVP Mark Rypien, who was arrested Sunday on suspicion of domestic violence, wrote Tuesday in a joint statement with his wife that he didn’t commit a crime.

Rypien also wrote that the alleged crime isn’t related to his suspected brain complication called chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, which frequently occurs in NFL players who have suffered numerous concussions but can only be diagnosed through an autopsy.

However, in 2017, the couple suspected that CTE contributed to another domestic assault charge that resulted only in the arrest of Danielle Rypien. That charge was eventually dropped. The couple later said that Mark Rypien was mostly at fault, and they blamed it on a change in his CTE medication.

On Sunday, Rypien allegedly hit his wife in the stomach twice while the two were driving. His defense attorney, Chris Bugbee, said Rypien was attempting to remove Danielle’s hands from his eyes, which were covering them during an argument in the car.

He was arrested and booked into Spokane County Jail, then was bailed out by Danielle on Monday.

“We will continue to cooperate with authorities to ensure that the truth of Mark’s innocence comes out,” the statement read. “We both respect law enforcement and we appreciate the officers’ efforts to protect Danielle yesterday. We’re grateful for their professionalism in treating Mark with respect during a challenging situation.

“…We are confident that a complete investigation will result in the dismissal of all charges,” the statement said. “…We are confident that in the coming weeks, clarity about this unfortunate situation will be provided.”