Free agent Frank Kearse, who previously played defensive end for the New England Patriots, was stabbed with a knife earlier this week during an alleged domestic dispute with his girlfriend Dominique Hooper.

According to the Sun Chronicle, Kearse initially told the police that his injury was a result of an accident. As noted by the athlete, he was in the process of moving and as he was carrying a cardboard box containing knives, one of these pierced through the container and accidentally punctured his abdomen.

His girlfriend, Hooper, told the same story to the law enforcers. However, after neighbors told investigators that they heard the couple arguing before the incident, the police officers started to question Hooper.

She then admitted that during an argument between her and Kearse, she took a knife and brandished it in front of him. After Kearse was stabbed, he carried the cardboard box to defend himself from her. According to reports, the argument between Kearse and Hooper began as the NFL player was preparing to move away.

Due to her statement, Hooper was arrested and taken into court. She pleaded innocent to the charges made against her including battery with a dangerous weapon and domestic abuse and battery. She was released on a $1,000 cash bail and is scheduled to appear in court by the end of September.

Kearse, on the other hand, was immediately taken to two hospitals after his stabbing.

The 27-year-old athlete officially entered the NFL in 2011 after being selected by the Miami Dolphins as the 231st overall pick. After his stint with the Miami organization, he transferred to other teams including the Carolina Panthers, Tennessee Titans, Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins.
He was released by the Redskins in September last year after linebackers Houston Bates and Terrance Plummer were promoted to starter and backup positions respectively.

In March of this year, he was signed by the Patriots. However, in August, he was placed on the team's injury reserve due to an undisclosed condition. On Thursday, Kearse was formally released by the New England organization after he signed an injury settlement with the team, NBC Sports reported.