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With just over a week to go before the NFL Draft, former Texas Longhorns wide receiver Isaiah Bond finds himself in the middle of a legal and public battle that could shape the start of his professional career. Bond, 21, turned himself in on a sexual assault warrant last week, but now, he's fighting back with a lawsuit against his acc.
Bond, who posted a $25,000 bond and was released shortly after his arrest, has filed a federal lawsuit in the Northern District of Texas. In it, he accuses the woman of making defamatory and false statements, claiming the incident was a calculated attempt to damage his reputation and seek financial gain.
Legal battle intensifies ahead of the draft
Bond's agent, Darien Butler, issued a letter to all 32 NFL teams on Wednesday outlining the case:
Isaiah was targeted by a woman eight years his senior, relentlessly pursued, enticed by explicit photos and ultimately set up.
The legal team representing Bond, Nesenhoff & Miltenberg, asserts that once the full truth is revealed, it will clear his name. They argue the narrative presented publicly so far has been one-sided and incomplete.
Bond speaks out on social media
Shortly after his arrest, Bond took to X to defend himself, asking the public to withhold judgment.
I would appreciate the time and opportunity to defend myself... I am in full cooperation with the authorities and will remain a willing and active participant in the investigation.
He acknowledged the complexity and sensitivity of the situation but maintained his innocence and expressed hope for due process.
On-field talent still draws NFL interest
Despite the controversy, Bond remains a likely Day 2 pick in next week's NFL Draft. After transferring from Alabama to Texas for his final college season, he recorded 34 catches for 540 yards and five touchdowns. Scouts continue to praise his speed and big-play ability.
As NFL teams weigh the legal situation alongside Bond's football potential, the days leading up to the draft promise to be just as tense off the field as on it.