Report: NFL launched own investigation after Chiefs began pursuing Hunt video

The Kansas City Chiefs released Kareem Hunt on Friday after a video emerged of him kicking and shoving a woman during a February incident at a Cleveland hotel. The Chiefs and the NFL said Friday they hadn't seen the footage until it was published but The Athletic's Nate Taylor reports both attempted to obtain the video in the months following the incident.

The Chiefs were aware the Hunt video existed and tried to acquire it several times, according to Taylor, who detailed the final hours of the running back's tenure with the club. But the NFL reportedly instructed the Chiefs to stop trying to find the video once it began its own investigation into the incident. Hunt was never arrested or charged in connection to the altercation.

Although the Chiefs released Hunt, it appears they want to help him find employment elsewhere in the league.

"The Chiefs told Hunt that he would never play in their uniform again, but they would do what they could to help him remain in the NFL if he takes the necessary steps to improve his behavior and make better decisions," Taylor wrote.

Hunt reportedly told the Chiefs he stayed in the hotel room throughout the evening but his account was proven to be false when the video emerged, leading to his release.

"The belief is that he'll get help," a source told Taylor. “I do think he'll get it. This is a guy I believe can figure it out. This will be tough for a while."

The NFL placed Hunt on the commissioner's exempt list shortly before his release and will conduct a full investigation.