Former NFL star Stanley Wilson Jr. famous for playing with the Detroit Lions, collapsed in a mental hospital two weeks ago. After an arrest by the LAPD, a court declared him incompetent to stand trial hence his transfer to the State hospital.
Wilson Jr. And The Law
The ex-cornerback had a run-in with the law when the L.A.P.D. arrested him for vandalism in August 2022. Although the D.A.’s office booked Wilson Jr., his lawyers proved he was incompetent to stand trial by virtue of mental instability.
Transfer To A Mental Facility
A judge ordered Wilson Jr.’s transfer to the county jail for treatment until he could stand trial. The L.A. County Metropolitan State Hospital took the ex-NFL star in on Feb. 1 to commence medical care, but tragedy struck.
His Sudden Death
Wilson Jr. reportedly collapsed during the transfer from County Jail to the Met State Hospital. The 40-year-old’s death is sudden but there’s no reason for the officer’s to suspect foul play.
No Foul Play
Meanwhile, L.A.P.D is awaiting toxicology reports from the coroner’s office to rule out homicide.
An Early Retirement
Wilson Jr. retired from professional American football after an unfortunate Achilles heel injury sustained ahead of the 2008 season.
His Short-Lived Career
Before then, Wilson Jr. played as a defensive back for three seasons after the Detroit Lions drafted him in the third round of the 2005 NFL draft.
Family Heritage
The late cornerback was the son of famous ex-Bengals running back, Stanley Tobias Wilson Sr. so NFL scouts had eyes on him for the 2005 draft season.
College Career
Wilson Jr. played for the Cardinal football team for three years (2001 – 2004) while enrolled in the Northern California school. Then, he played college football at Stanford University in the early 2000s before going pro.
Pro Career Statistics
Wilson Jr.’s three-year career with the NFL included 32 pro games in which he recorded 87 tackles (64 solos), eight pass breakups, and one forced fumble. His stats showed promise before his sad Achilles injury.
Downward Spiral Of His Mental Health
Unfortunately, Wilson Jr.’s abrupt career end messed with his mental health. He thought he disappointed the people who expected much from him. Subsequently, the late 40-year-old went on a downward spiral with the law.
Burglary Charges
Wilson Jr.’s first arrest was in 2016 when someone accused him of attempted burglary while completely nude. He received a shot to the stomach while trying to gain access into the accuser’s Portland home.
More Burglary Charges
Less than a year later, in 2017, eyewitnesses reported the ex-NFL player for jaywalking while naked in the same Portland area. Later that year, he allegedly attempted another break-in in another Portland neighborhood.
The Final Straw
His final arrest before his death came when he broke into a $30 million Hollywood Hills mansion and bathed in its fountain.
His Last Breath
TMZ reported his sudden death during the intake at the Metropolitan State Hospital at the beginning of February.
RELATED STORIES
The Case That Would’ve Been
If he were still alive and completed treatment, Wilson Jr. would’ve faced trial for two counts of vandalism and one count of second degree burglary.
The Complainants Wanted $,5000
The residents of the Hollywood Hills home claimed that Wilson Jr.’s actions cost them $5,000 in damages. However, his lawyers successfully argued that he wasn’t mentally well, leading to his string of odd behaviors.
A Bad Role Model
Wilson Sr., 61, also has a long wrap sheet with the law including spending 22 years in prison for burglarizing a Beverly Hills home.
NFL Banned Wilson Sr.
The NFL banned Wilson Sr. for violating its drug policy three times in the late 1980s (1985, 1987, 1989). The body previously suspended him twice until the third offence.
A Bad Family History
Wilson Sr.’s run-in with the law also started after his career ended like his son’s did.
