San Francisco 49ers wideout Brandon Aiyuk is having one of the most tumultuous offseasons in recent memory. Ever since the 49ers voided the disgruntled NFL star's guaranteed $27 million contract for next season, Aiyuk has made a string of bizarre social media posts.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Perhaps none of the social media posts were as disturbing as his most recent Instagram Story, in which the former first-round pick is shown kicking a dog in the head.
On July 13, Aiyuk shared several alarming videos on his Instagram Story. In the first video, the former Arizona St. standout is shown feeding a pair of dogs raw chicken, which could cause food poisoning.
The next video showed him feeding what looked to be sardines in oil to the two dogs, which was captioned "Post workout". The third video showed Aiyuk bringing the oil-soaked paper bowl down to his dogs for them to lick. After one dog initially licked the bowl, Aiyuk tried to offer the bowl to the other dog for their turn, but the first dog kept licking.
NFL Star Demonstrates Animal Abuse Online
Suddenly, Aiyuk became enraged and lashed out at the first dog. When the first dog kept licking after its turn, Aiyuk forcefully pushed his pet back with his leg. While doing this, Aiyuk said, "Watch out! N**** move!"
Moments later, Aiyuk can be seen kicking the dog in the head.
Just like his other reputation-damaging social media posts this offseason, the video went viral online. Dozens of social media users reprimanded his violent methods.
Social media backlash may be the least of his concern. And the situation could turn legal for Aiyuk.
In the United States, it is against the law in all 50 states to intentionally hurt an animal without a valid reason.
Depending on the severity of the case, a person can face either a misdemeanor or a felony charge.
Earlier this offseason, NFL insider Ian Rapoport discussed Aiyuk's roller coaster offseason. He noted that Aiyuk may be trying to force himself out of San Francisco.
"I think, I don't know this, but I think the idea is you create enough noise, enough negative publicity, you become so toxic that the 49ers will go, 'Okay, I can't deal with this anymore. I'm tired of the headlines. I'm just going to cut him.' [The 49ers] seem to not want to," Rapoport said. "And the fact that he has already identified his next landing spot, my guess is, would make [the 49ers] angrier. But, man. This has gotten weird."
