Former Atlanta Falcons Linebacker Prince Shembo Arrested for Killing Girlfriend's Yorkie Dog [VIDEO]

An Atlanta Falcon linebacker quickly became an ex-Atlanta Falcon linebacker after being arrested for allegedly killing his girlfriend's dog. Prince Shembo, the now former Falcon, was in tears over the arrest. According to him, the dog bit him and that's when he accidentally killed it.

Shembo's attorney, Jerry Froelich also claims his client didn't mean to kill the dog, simply stating: "He didn't mean to kill the dog."

Police think differently though as they saw the Yorkie's injuries as extensive. It's because of this that Shembo, 23, was charged with aggravated cruelty to animals. This is a felony in the Atlanta area.

After the arrest, Shembo was released from the team. His release only took two hours after the arrest.

Shembo was released shortly after 10 p.m. after posting a $15,000 bond.

A team spokesperson spoke out on Shembo's arrest:

"We are aware of the charges that have been filed against Prince Shembo," the team said. "We are extremely disappointed that one of our players is involved in something like this. Accordingly, we have decided to waive Prince Shembo."

Veterinarians determined that the Yorkie suffered blunt force trauma. It had a fractured rib, fractured liver, abdominal hemorrhage, thoracic hemorrhage, extensive bruising, hemorrhaging in the muscles in her front leg and shoulders, head trauma, hemorrhage and edema in the lungs, hemorrhage between the esophagus and trachea and hemorrhaging in the left eye with internal injuries. Police think Shembo kicked the dog.

Shembo, a linebacker formerly of Notre Dame, was a fourth-round pick for the Falcons in 2014. He recorded 59 tackles in 16 games last season.

This isn't the first time Shembo has been in trouble either. Back in 2010 at Saint Mary's College, he was investigated for alleged sexually assaulting a freshman in her dorm. He was never charged and 10 days later she killed herself by overdosing on Effexor.

"Pretty much, it was an unfortunate event," Shembo told reporters at the draft. "My name was pretty much cleared. It's behind me now. I just want to focus on playing football for the Atlanta Falcons."