The Carolina Panthers have been no strangers to dramatic headlines over the years, but this latest one centers on one of the franchise’s former stars.
According to The New York Post, Kelly Davis, the estranged wife of longtime Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis, has been arrested in Charlotte, North Carolina, after allegedly attacking a woman she believed was romantically involved with her husband.
According to court documents, the confrontation happened on August 26 at the office of chiropractor Laura Watterson. Watterson claimed she was blindsided during the incident, stating, “As I tried to guide her out the door of my office, she hit me and knocked my glasses off, then hit me again on the other side of the head.”
Authorities issued a warrant for Kelly's arrest three days later, on August 29. She was taken into custody on September 3 and now faces a misdemeanor assault and battery charge.
Her attorney, James J. Exum, has pushed back against the accusations, telling TMZ, “We believe completely in Kelly’s innocence, and we look forward to challenging the false allegations once we have a court date.”
Thomas and Kelly married in March 2008 and shared more than 15 years of marriage before their split in March 2024. Their separation became highly public after Kelly accused the former Carolina Panthers linebacker of “engag[ing] in illicit sexual conduct with at least six women other than” her during their marriage, according to a February court filing.
The couple shares two children, including 17-year-old Thomas Davis Jr., who has already committed to play football at Notre Dame.
Despite the family turmoil, Thomas’ legacy on the field is still a point of pride in Carolina. Drafted in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft, Thomas spent 13 of his 15 professional seasons with the Panthers, earning three Pro Bowl selections before retiring in 2021.
He also had brief stints with the Los Angeles Chargers and Washington Football Team.