The former WWE NXT star Jake Atlas recently issued a statement regarding his arrest that happened back in May. He was charged with misdemeanor battery (domestic assault).
Jake Atlas issues statement
On May 23rd, Atlas was drinking at Big Daddy’s Roadhouse the night before, and when his partner went to pick him up, Atlas had asked his partner to stay and drink with him because Atlas wanted him to go to a friend’s house to be intimate together. It was alleged Atlas became more “physically aggressive” by charging at the victim. The victim was left with a scratch on his forearm, and his tank top was torn. After Atlas chose to “speak badly” about the victim, the police arrested him.
It was previously noted by TMZ Sports that the charges were dropped against him as officials had said they declined to prosecute him as, after an investigation, “it is the writer’s opinion that this case is not suitable for prosecution.”
Atlas issued the following statement on Twitter and noted he has completed an outpatient substance abuse program:
“I want to thank those of you who will take the time to read this statement.
I’m issuing a formal apology for my wrongdoing and any hurt, disappointment and complication I may have caused to my colleagues and fans.
As incredibly difficult it is for me to publicly disclose very personal and private information, it is imperative that I admit to my alcohol abuse and provide transparency about my deteriorating mental health. I have accepted that my anxiety and depression led me to detrimentally self-medicate for the last 7 years. In addition, a lot of unresolved trauma resurfaced for me recently that was fundamental to the development of some extremely negative core beliefs and I was inadequately able to manage.
An incident occurred a couple of months ago that I am 100% not proud of; I take complete responsibility and accountability for the situation and my actions. I recognize that the state of being intoxicated does not excuse my behavior. I made a terrible mistake. I hurt people I love and it’s something I deeply regret.
The only clarity I wish to provide specifically about what circulated online is this: the relationship is not abusive in any way, shape, or form and this event is certainly not a reflection of my character. One can read a report and choose to take the information for what it is, but to speculate, draw conclusions, and create a narrative that has no merit only adds further damage to those involved. This was a situation that was already being, and continues to be dealt with privately, so it is with great humility that I ask the respect of that privacy going forward.
I would like to share that I have successfully completed an intensive outpatient program at LiveWell Behavioral Health in Florida. I self admitted with a dual diagnosis in substance abuse and mental health. The treatment consisted of 10 hours of group and individualized therapy every week for 5 weeks. The next step in the program is to attend 1 group session a week for 3 weeks and continue individual outpatient therapy thereafter. My time there has been nothing short of extraordinary and life changing — a phenomenal first step in my recovery.
I am human and that makes me flawed. I believe in second chances, I believe in redemption, and in turn, I believe in personal growth. I express my gratitude to those who have reached out to me. I have made exceptional progress and I am excited for my future. I have full faith for a positive outcome from this journey as I continue my sobriety and the process of healing with the support of my friends, my family, and my partner.
“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.” -Rumi
https://twitter.com/JakeAtlasReal/status/1550465753408757763?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1550465753408757763%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwrestlingnews.co%2Fwwe-news%2Fformer-wwe-nxt-star-jake-atlas-completes-alcohol-abuse-program-after-domestic-violence-case-was-dropped-against-him
Atlas signed with WWE in 2019 before being let go in 2021 with several other NXT stars. He signed a per-appearance deal with AEW in January but has been out of action with a torn ACL.
