Isaiah Bond’s NFL career hasn’t even started yet, and he’s already been through the kind of headline storm most players hope to avoid forever. Days after a Texas grand jury cleared him of sexual assault charges, the rookie wide receiver isn’t just walking away quietly, he’s telling his side of the story. In a federal complaint, Bond says he was “pursued and preyed upon for months” by a woman he met on Instagram , and that she demanded $5,000 before taking her allegations to the police.
Isaiah Bond’s federal complaint claims he was the target, not the aggressor
According to Bond’s filing, things started online, with months of messages from the woman who would later accuse him. The two eventually met in person on February 4 at his apartment, where Bond says they had a consensual sexual encounter. Not long after, she allegedly warned him to “be careful not to catch a case.” That’s not where it ended, Bond claims she then demanded $5,000 in cash before going to the police. In his version of events, this was never about justice, but about money and leverage.
Bond’s legal battle escalated in April, when a warrant was issued for his arrest and he turned himself in, posting a $25,000 bond to walk free. But the criminal case never reached trial. In August, a Collin County grand jury issued what’s known as a “no bill,” meaning they found no probable cause to indict him. For Bond, that was the green light to move forward without a legal cloud hanging overhead.
Cleveland Browns bring Isaiah Bond in despite the noise
The Cleveland Browns wasted no time. Just days after the grand jury’s decision, Bond announced he was signing with the team as an undrafted free agent. Predictably, the internet had thoughts. Some fans welcomed him as a fresh talent who deserved a chance, while others weren’t ready to forget the accusations, regardless of the legal outcome. One Browns fan podcast even jumped in, saying people should cool it with the hate, reminding everyone that Bond had filed his own complaint and wasn’t just on defense.
Cases like this hit differently in sports. Big names often face accusations that play out publicly before they ever reach a courtroom, and by then, the public has already decided who’s guilty or innocent. Bond’s decision to go on offense with a federal filing is rare, but it shows he’s not willing to let the narrative roll over him. For now, the criminal matter is closed but the court of public opinion? That’s still wide open.
Also read - Travis Hunter divorce rumors spark fan backlash at social media’s obsession
Isaiah Bond’s federal complaint claims he was the target, not the aggressor
According to Bond’s filing, things started online, with months of messages from the woman who would later accuse him. The two eventually met in person on February 4 at his apartment, where Bond says they had a consensual sexual encounter. Not long after, she allegedly warned him to “be careful not to catch a case.” That’s not where it ended, Bond claims she then demanded $5,000 in cash before going to the police. In his version of events, this was never about justice, but about money and leverage.
Maybe everyone should just chill on hating Isaiah Bond and the Browns for signing him.
— The Dawgs - A Cleveland Browns Podcast (@thedawgspodcast) August 15, 2025
Bond previously filed his own federal complaint against his accuser. He said he was “pursued and preyed upon for months.”
He’d had an adult interaction with the girl, who he met on… pic.twitter.com/iuDw6OShl6
Bond’s legal battle escalated in April, when a warrant was issued for his arrest and he turned himself in, posting a $25,000 bond to walk free. But the criminal case never reached trial. In August, a Collin County grand jury issued what’s known as a “no bill,” meaning they found no probable cause to indict him. For Bond, that was the green light to move forward without a legal cloud hanging overhead.
Cleveland Browns bring Isaiah Bond in despite the noise
Isaiah Bond just signed with the Cleveland Browns. He was a likely Round 2 draft pick before sexual assault allegations pushed him to UDFA
— Scott Barrett (@ScottBarrettDFB) August 14, 2025
When healthy, last year, Bond was more productive than teammate and Round 1 WR Matthew Golden pic.twitter.com/otIWKZTvfy
The Cleveland Browns wasted no time. Just days after the grand jury’s decision, Bond announced he was signing with the team as an undrafted free agent. Predictably, the internet had thoughts. Some fans welcomed him as a fresh talent who deserved a chance, while others weren’t ready to forget the accusations, regardless of the legal outcome. One Browns fan podcast even jumped in, saying people should cool it with the hate, reminding everyone that Bond had filed his own complaint and wasn’t just on defense.
WR Isaiah Bond has announced that he's signed with the Browns. pic.twitter.com/DUewL6Chnb
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) August 14, 2025
Cases like this hit differently in sports. Big names often face accusations that play out publicly before they ever reach a courtroom, and by then, the public has already decided who’s guilty or innocent. Bond’s decision to go on offense with a federal filing is rare, but it shows he’s not willing to let the narrative roll over him. For now, the criminal matter is closed but the court of public opinion? That’s still wide open.
Also read - Travis Hunter divorce rumors spark fan backlash at social media’s obsession
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