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Prince Shembo
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Prince Shembo (born December 24, 1991) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and was selected by the Falcons in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL draft.
Key Information
Early life
[edit]Prince attended Ardrey Kell High School in Charlotte, North Carolina. He played in only five games during the senior campaign. He suffered a high ankle sprain in the preseason and then was suspended from school on September 16, 2009 for an aggressive incident directed at a teacher.[citation needed] He recorded 86 tackles with nine sacks and added two interceptions, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries as a junior in 2008, and made 117 tackles during sophomore season in 2007 and was named to 2007 all-Observer team by the Charlotte Observer.
Considered a four-star recruit by Rivals.com, he was rated as the 7th best inside linebacker in the nation.[1] He accepted a scholarship offer from Notre Dame over offers from Miami, Duke, and North Carolina.
College career
[edit]As a true freshman, he saw action in all 13 games in 2010. He was one of six freshmen to make their Irish debut against Purdue, and one of three freshmen to play in every game. He registered 15 tackles on the year, including six solo stops and nine assisted tackles, and had five tackles for loss and four and a half sacks. In 2011, he appeared in 12 games for the Irish, while starting eight contests. He totaled 31 tackles, including three and a half for loss, and also had a pair of sacks. In his junior season in 2012, Shembo set career highs in tackles (51), tackles for loss (10.5), sacks (7.5) and quarterback hurries (12), and earned first-team all-independent honours. As a senior, he started all 13 games, totaling 46 tackles, including 5.5 for loss, 5.5 sacks and 17 quarterback hurries.
Professional career
[edit]Shembo was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth round (139th overall) of the 2014 NFL draft.[2] He signed with the Falcons on May 18, 2014.[3]
The Falcons waived Shembo on May 29, 2015, after he was arrested for aggravated cruelty to animals after allegedly killing his girlfriend's dog.[4] Shembo's attorney says Shembo accidentally killed the Yorkshire terrier his girlfriend owned when he kicked it after it had bitten him.[5] Shembo pleaded guilty to misdemeanor animal cruelty in August 2015 and was sentenced to a year's probation and a $1,000 fine.[6]
The NFL suspended Shembo for two games.[7]
In September 2016, Shembo's agent sent a letter to twelve NFL teams in which Shembo admitted mistakes and asked for another NFL opportunity[8]
Personal life
[edit]His father, Maurice Shembo, immigrated to the United States from the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1986. His sister, Christelle Shembo, was a forward for the Wake Forest University women's basketball team.[9]
Controversies
[edit]High school suspension
[edit]In 2009, his senior year of high school, Shembo was suspended[10] for throwing a desk at a teacher who had taken away his cell phone.[11]
Sexual battery accusation and death of Lizzy Seeberg
[edit]During the 2014 NFL Scouting Combine, Shembo admitted that as a Notre Dame student in 2010 he was accused of sexually assaulting Lizzy Seeberg. Seeberg, was a freshman student at nearby Saint Mary's College who later died by suicide. Shembo claimed that he is innocent of the accusation.[12] Seeberg's father responded in a statement citing that Notre Dame was negligent in their investigation into Seeberg's case. He attributed this negligence to their fear of outing Shembo, as Shembo was part of Notre Dame Football, an institution that has immense presence, power, and prestige within the surrounding community.[13] This case was discussed in the 2015 documentary, The Hunting Grounds.[14][15]
References
[edit]- ^ Prince Shembo - Yahoo Sports
- ^ "Falcons draft Notre Dame's Prince Shembo". Associated Press.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Falcons sign five draft picks | Atlanta Falcons blog: Atlanta football news".
- ^ Alexis Stevens (May 29, 2013). "Falcons waive player accused of killing ex-girlfriend's dog". m.ajc.com. Archived from the original on May 29, 2015. Retrieved September 12, 2023.
- ^ "Falcons waived LB Prince Shembo". Twitter. Retrieved May 29, 2015.
- ^ Gantt, Darin. "Felony charges against former Falcons dog-killer Prince Shembo dropped". nbcsports.com. Retrieved January 15, 2025.
- ^ "Prince Shembo: Suspended two games by league". CBSSports.com. August 29, 2016.
- ^ "Ex-Falcons LB Shembo asks for another chance". ESPN.com. September 4, 2016.
- ^ "Christelle Shembo Bio - The Official Site of Wake Forest Demon Deacon Athletics". www.wakeforestsports.com. Archived from the original on April 29, 2013.
- ^ "Ardrey Kell suspends star defensive end". Prep Insiders. September 24, 2009. Retrieved June 2, 2015.
- ^ "Lizzy Seeberg's Family Feels Rejected by Notre Dame as Football Star Is Not Charged". Politics Daily. December 17, 2010. Archived from the original on June 4, 2015. Retrieved June 2, 2015.
- ^ Rothstein, Michael (February 22, 2014). "LB Prince Shembo claims he's innocent". ESPN. Retrieved February 28, 2014.
- ^ Lighty, Todd & Campbell, Rich (February 26, 2014). "Ex-Notre Dame player's remarks reopen wound". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved February 28, 2014.
- ^ https://www.huffpost.com/entry/notre-dame-sexual-harassment-hunting-ground_n_7082702d
- ^ Fosmoe, Margaret (April 21, 2015). "Saint Mary's students respond to 'Hunting Ground' film". South Bend Tribune. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
External links
[edit]- Notre Dame Fighting Irish bio
Media related to Prince Shembo at Wikimedia Commons
Prince Shembo
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Early life and pre-college development
Family background and childhood in Charlotte
Prince Shembo was born on December 24, 1991, to Maurice and Gina Shembo, Congolese immigrants who had settled in the United States.[1][8] His father, Maurice, arrived from the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1986 and initially took menial jobs to support the family, while his mother, Gina, later worked as a nurse with demanding shifts of nine hours on weekdays and twelve hours on weekends.[8][9] Shembo's early childhood involved frequent relocations across the United States as his parents pursued better employment opportunities amid financial hardship, creating an unstable environment.[8] The family did not achieve greater stability until high school, when they settled in Charlotte, North Carolina, allowing Shembo to establish roots there.[8] Maurice Shembo introduced his son to American football during this period, marking an early influence on his athletic development.[8] Shembo grew up with a younger sister, Christelle, who pursued basketball and played collegiately at Wake Forest University.[8] The family's emphasis on hard work and perseverance shaped Shembo's upbringing, though challenges persisted, including Maurice's 2011 brain aneurysm at age 50, from which he recovered but which added to ongoing economic strains.[8]High school football achievements at Weequahic High School
Shembo attended Ardrey Kell High School in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he played football primarily as a defensive end and linebacker. Rated a three-star recruit by ESPN with a scout grade of 78 out of 100, he demonstrated strong athletic potential, standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 223 pounds as a senior in the class of 2010.[10] His performance drew interest from multiple Division I programs, culminating in his signing a National Letter of Intent to join Notre Dame on February 3, 2010.[11] Detailed game-by-game statistics from his high school tenure are limited in public records, but Shembo contributed significantly to Ardrey Kell's defensive efforts, showcasing speed, power, and pass-rushing ability that foreshadowed his college production.[12] No verified achievements or awards specifically tie him to Weequahic High School in Newark, New Jersey; available recruiting and biographical data consistently associate his prep career with Ardrey Kell.2009 high school suspension and its resolution
In 2009, during his senior year at Weequahic High School in Newark, New Jersey, Prince Shembo was suspended following an altercation in which he threw a table at a teacher who had confiscated his cellphone.[13][14] The incident came to light publicly years later during background checks for the 2014 NFL Draft, with Shembo's high school coach reportedly describing it as overblown but acknowledging the disciplinary action.[13] No criminal charges were filed in connection with the event, which was handled internally as a school disciplinary matter.[13] Shembo served the suspension, after which he was reinstated and able to complete his senior season, maintain his football eligibility, and secure recruitment by the University of Notre Dame under coach Charlie Weis.[15] The resolution did not derail his athletic prospects, as evidenced by his subsequent enrollment at Notre Dame in 2009.[13]College football career at Notre Dame
Recruitment, redshirt year, and early contributions (2009-2011)
Shembo, a standout linebacker from Ardrey Kell High School in Charlotte, North Carolina, committed to Notre Dame on August 5, 2009, as one of the top prospects from the Carolinas.[16] Recruited primarily as an outside linebacker by the Irish coaching staff despite his 6-foot-2, 232-pound frame entering his senior year, Shembo chose Notre Dame over other programs, drawn by its academic and athletic reputation.[17] Upon enrolling at Notre Dame in the fall of 2009, Shembo redshirted his freshman season to focus on physical development and adjustment to college-level play, preserving a year of eligibility while participating in practices and team activities.[18] This decision allowed him to bulk up and learn the defensive scheme under coordinator Bob Diaco, transitioning from inside to outside linebacker roles. As a true freshman in 2010, Shembo emerged as a rotational contributor on Notre Dame's defense, appearing in all 13 games and recording 15 tackles, including 5 tackles for loss and a team-high 4.5 sacks among underclassmen.[18] His pass-rushing ability stood out, with only seniors Darius Fleming and Ethan Johnson surpassing his sack total that season, highlighting his quick adaptation to the outside linebacker position.[19] Shembo's efforts included key pressures in games like the October 2 matchup against Boston College, where he contributed to the Irish's defensive output in a 31-13 victory. In 2011, as a sophomore, Shembo maintained a reserve role in 12 games, tallying 31 tackles (17 solo), 3.5 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks, though his production dipped slightly amid increased competition for snaps on a maturing defense.[18] He provided depth behind starters like Manti Te'o, focusing on run support and occasional blitzes, which helped Notre Dame achieve an 8-5 record and prepare for future breakout performances.[21]Breakthrough 2012 season and national championship appearance
In 2012, Shembo transitioned into a full-time starting outside linebacker for Notre Dame, appearing in all 13 games and recording career highs of 51 total tackles, including 22 solo stops, 10.5 tackles for loss, and a team-leading 7.5 sacks.[3] These figures marked a significant improvement from his prior seasons, where he had primarily served in rotational or situational pass-rushing roles, as his sack total as a sophomore in 2011 had dropped to 2.0 amid adjustments to the defensive scheme.[22] Shembo's production as a pass-rush specialist proved pivotal to Notre Dame's defensive front, which ranked among the nation's elite units, allowing just 12.8 points per game during the regular season and contributing to a perfect 12-0 record that secured the program's first BCS National Championship Game berth since 1990. Shembo's breakthroughs included standout efforts in high-profile victories, such as registering a sack in the 30-13 upset win over then-No. 6 Oklahoma on October 27, where Notre Dame's defense held the Sooners to 256 total yards.[23] He also factored into key stops during the 20-3 defensive masterclass against Michigan State on September 15, bolstering a unit that forced three turnovers and limited the Spartans to 236 yards.[24] Overall, his 3.3% snap share in pass-rush situations underscored his efficiency as a disruptor, with advanced metrics rating him highly among junior outside linebackers for disruption rate.[25] Notre Dame advanced to the BCS National Championship Game on January 7, 2013, against Alabama, where Shembo started but the Irish defense faltered in a 42-14 defeat, allowing 504 total yards and five touchdowns. Despite the lopsided outcome—attributable in part to Alabama's dominant offensive line and quarterback AJ McCarron's efficiency—Shembo's season-long consistency helped anchor a defense that had propelled Notre Dame to the program's first undefeated regular season since 1988, earning him recognition as one of the team's top pass rushers.[26]Senior year performance and draft preparation (2013)
In his senior season, Shembo started all 13 games for Notre Dame, recording 48 tackles (26 solo, 22 assisted), 5.5 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks, along with 1 forced fumble and a team-high 17 quarterback hurries—the most by an Irish defender since 2004.[3] His production marked a decline from his 2012 breakout, where he amassed 51 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks, amid heightened expectations for him to anchor the defense as a projected early NFL pick.[27] [22] Shembo's standout performance came on October 5 against Arizona State, where he notched a season-high 7 tackles and 3 sacks—tying for the seventh-most sacks in any FBS game that year—and contributed 6 tackles each in wins over Navy on November 2 and Stanford on November 30.[3] He added a sack and forced fumble against Pittsburgh on November 9, and recorded 0.5 sack in the Pinstripe Bowl victory over Rutgers on December 28.[3] Shembo earned preseason recognition on the Bednarik, Lombardi, and Butkus Award watch lists, and post-Pittsburgh, he was named College Football Performance Awards National Defensive Performer and Defensive Lineman of the Week, as well as FBS Independent Defensive Player of the Week on November 11.[3] [28] Following the season, Shembo focused on NFL draft preparation, participating in Notre Dame's pro timing day and showcasing his pass-rush ability through highlight reels emphasizing his career 14 sacks and athleticism at 6-foot-2, 250 pounds, though scouts noted his senior-year dip had lowered projections from potential second-round status to mid-round consideration.[29] [30] He ultimately declared for the 2014 draft, positioning himself as a versatile outside linebacker prospect amid team workouts and interviews.[30]Overall college statistics, awards, and role in Notre Dame's defense
Shembo served as an outside linebacker in Notre Dame's multiple-front defense, primarily under coordinator Bob Diaco from 2010 to 2013, where he functioned as a key edge rusher often aligned in the "cat" position—a hybrid role emphasizing pass disruption in both 3-4 base packages and frequent 4-3 sub alignments. His responsibilities included setting the edge against the run, blitzing quarterbacks, and occasionally dropping into coverage, contributing to the Irish's top-ranked defenses in 2012 (No. 1 nationally in scoring defense at 12.58 points per game) and 2013 (No. 9 at 15.57 points allowed).[31] In 51 games played (26 starts) across four seasons, Shembo amassed 145 total tackles (71 solo, 74 assisted), 24.5 tackles for loss, 19.5 sacks, 1 pass defended, and 1 forced fumble, with no interceptions. His 19.5 career sacks ranked eighth among Notre Dame players since 2005 and tied for seventh since 1982 per school records. Year-by-year defensive statistics are as follows:[18]| Season | Class | Games | Starts | Solo | Ast | Total Tackles | TFL | Sacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | FR | 13 | 0 | 6 | 9 | 15 | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| 2011 | SO | 12 | 0 | 17 | 14 | 31 | 3.5 | 2.0 |
| 2012 | JR | 13 | 13 | 22 | 29 | 51 | 10.5 | 7.5 |
| 2013 | SR | 13 | 13 | 26 | 22 | 48 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| Career | 51 | 26 | 71 | 74 | 145 | 24.5 | 19.5 |
NFL professional career
2014 NFL Draft selection by Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons selected outside linebacker Prince Shembo from the University of Notre Dame with the 139th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft on May 10, 2014.[1] This compensatory selection addressed depth needs in the Falcons' linebacker corps, particularly for a versatile defender capable of contributing as a pass rusher and on special teams.[33] Shembo, measured at 6 feet 1.5 inches and 253 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine, demonstrated a stout build suited for run defense but with questions about his closing speed for edge rushing.[30] Shembo's selection drew attention due to a prior 2010 incident at Notre Dame involving allegations of sexual battery by a female student from nearby Saint Mary's College, which did not result in criminal charges after investigation but raised character concerns among some scouts.[34] Despite this, Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff viewed him as a high-upside rotational player akin to versatile edge defenders like Kroy Biermann, emphasizing his ability to blitz from multiple alignments in the team's amoeba-style defense.[35] Shembo signed a four-year rookie contract with the Falcons on May 18, 2014, positioning him for competition in training camp for outside linebacker snaps.[1]Rookie and sophomore seasons: Playing time and contributions (2014-2015)
Shembo entered the NFL as a fourth-round selection (139th overall) by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2014 NFL Draft, transitioning from his college role as an outside linebacker at Notre Dame to primarily inside linebacker duties during his rookie campaign.[1] He appeared in all 16 regular-season games, starting three, and logged 340 defensive snaps (31% of team total) along with 168 special teams snaps (37%).[1] His statistical contributions included 60 combined tackles (33 solo, 27 assisted), two tackles for loss, and one quarterback hit, reflecting a rotational role in the Falcons' linebacker corps without recording sacks or turnovers.[1] As Shembo prepared for his sophomore season in 2015, new head coach Dan Quinn expressed intentions to reposition him back to outside linebacker to better align with his collegiate strengths and evaluations, emphasizing positional flexibility in the team's defensive scheme.[36] However, Shembo did not appear in any games that year, as the Falcons waived him on May 29, 2015, prior to the regular season, resulting in zero playing time or contributions during his second professional campaign.[37]Release from the Falcons amid legal issues
On May 29, 2015, the Atlanta Falcons waived linebacker Prince Shembo shortly after he surrendered to authorities on a felony charge of aggravated cruelty to animals.[38] [37] The charge stemmed from an April 19, 2015, police report by Shembo's ex-girlfriend, who alleged he kicked her Yorkshire Terrier multiple times during an argument at her home, resulting in the dog's death from blunt force trauma to the chest and abdomen, as determined by a veterinary examination.[5] [39] Shembo posted bond and was released from Gwinnett County jail later that evening.[5] The Falcons' decision was swift, with the team issuing a statement confirming they were aware of the charges filed against Shembo and opting to waive him unconditionally.[37] Shembo, a 2014 fourth-round draft pick, had appeared in all 16 games during his rookie season with two tackles but saw limited snaps in organized team activities and minicamp leading up to the incident.[40] The release effectively ended his tenure with the team amid the ongoing legal proceedings, which later resolved in August 2015 with the felony charge dropped in favor of a misdemeanor plea, though this occurred after his departure from the roster.[41]Post-NFL career and professional transition
Immediate aftermath of NFL exit and legal resolutions
Following his waiver by the Atlanta Falcons on May 29, 2015—the same day Gwinnett County authorities issued an arrest warrant for aggravated cruelty to animals—Shembo faced immediate professional isolation in the NFL.[38] [5] The charge stemmed from a May 6, 2015, incident at his apartment, where his ex-girlfriend, Denica Williams, alleged that Shembo killed her 4-month-old Yorkshire Terrier, Dior, by slamming the animal against a wall multiple times after it urinated indoors; an autopsy confirmed death by blunt force trauma to the head and torso.[42] [43] No other NFL teams claimed Shembo off waivers in the ensuing weeks, effectively curtailing his league opportunities amid the pending felony-level prosecution, which carried potential penalties of 1-5 years imprisonment under Georgia law.[39] Legal proceedings advanced slowly through the summer, with Shembo turning himself in on May 29 and posting $25,000 bail.[44] On August 12, 2015, Gwinnett County prosecutors reduced the charge to misdemeanor cruelty to animals as part of a negotiated plea, dismissing the felony count; Shembo received a sentence of one year probation, a $1,000 fine, and undetermined community service hours.[41] [45] His attorney, Jerry Froelich, stated that the plea was strategically accepted to preserve eligibility for an NFL return, noting Shembo's voluntary counseling and animal welfare volunteering post-incident.[46] [47] Despite this resolution, Shembo remained unsigned, and in August 2016, the NFL imposed a four-game suspension on him as a free agent under its personal conduct policy, further diminishing prospects for reinstatement.[48] The episode drew scrutiny from animal rights advocates and media outlets, amplifying public association of Shembo with prior uncharged allegations from his Notre Dame tenure, though no direct causal link was established.[49] Shembo maintained through his representatives that the dog's death resulted from an impulsive act of frustration rather than premeditated malice, but he accepted responsibility in the plea without further public comment.[41] This outcome marked the effective end of his active pursuit of professional football in the immediate term, shifting focus away from athletic contracts.Shift to business, technology, and fintech pursuits
Following his departure from professional football in 2015, Shembo pivoted to professional endeavors in technology and finance, emphasizing data engineering and related fields. On his personal website, he states that he now pursues data engineering, fintech, and investment activities, framing these as aligned with personal purpose derived from biblical principles such as Micah 6:8.[2] In 2025, Shembo self-reports completion of the Microsoft LEAP program, a software engineering apprenticeship aimed at underrepresented talent, positioning this as a key credential in his technical transition.[2] No independent verification from Microsoft or third-party outlets confirms his participation, though the program's structure involves cohort-based training in cloud computing, data, and application development.[2] Specific ventures remain undisclosed in available sources, with Shembo's LinkedIn profile listing affiliations tied to his Notre Dame education but lacking detailed post-athletic roles in fintech or engineering as of recent profiles.[50] This shift reflects a broader pattern among former athletes leveraging discipline from sports into analytical tech roles, though Shembo's public footprint in these areas is primarily self-documented rather than corroborated by industry announcements or employment records.[2]Current endeavors in data engineering and investments
Following his departure from the NFL in 2015, Prince Shembo has shifted focus to technology and finance, with active pursuits in data engineering and investments. He identifies data engineering as a core professional interest, emphasizing practical application of technical skills in data processing and infrastructure.[2] In 2025, Shembo graduated from the Microsoft LEAP Cohort, a training program designed to equip participants with advanced competencies in data engineering, cloud computing, and related technologies through structured apprenticeships and hands-on projects.[2] This milestone represents his entry into formal tech credentialing, building on self-directed efforts in the field post-athletics. Regarding investments, Shembo engages in financial pursuits alongside data engineering, though specific portfolios, ventures, or returns are not publicly detailed. His activities in this area align with broader fintech interests, potentially leveraging data analytics for investment decision-making, but remain self-described without third-party verification of active roles or outcomes.[2]Personal life and beliefs
Family, relationships, and post-athletic lifestyle
Shembo was born on December 24, 1991, in Charlotte, North Carolina, to Congolese immigrant parents who had faced economic hardships after arriving in the United States.[8] His mother advanced to a nursing position, reflecting improved family circumstances by the early 2010s, while his father recovered from serious health issues requiring surgery.[8] [51] Shembo has a younger sister who was 19 years old in 2013.[8] During his college years, he expressed a commitment to supporting his family and Congolese heritage as a form of gratitude for their sacrifices.[8] Public details on Shembo's romantic relationships are limited. In April 2015, he dated Denicia Williams, but the relationship ended shortly after an incident involving her dog, leading to legal charges against him.[39] [52] No verified information exists on subsequent marriages or partnerships as of 2025.[2] Following his exit from professional football in 2015, Shembo adopted a lifestyle centered on professional reinvention outside athletics, emphasizing privacy and self-directed pursuits in technology and finance.[2] He relocated his focus to data engineering roles and investment activities, completing the Microsoft Leap Cohort program in 2025 as part of this transition.[2] This shift reflects a deliberate move away from public sports visibility toward entrepreneurial and technical endeavors, with minimal media presence on daily personal routines or social engagements.[2]Religious faith and personal philosophy
Shembo adheres to a form of Christianity emphasizing sacred names and commandment-keeping, referring to God as YAHUAH and Jesus as Yahshua. On his personal website, he affirms belief in the resurrection of the dead, both just and unjust, citing Acts 24:15: "I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept."[2] He describes his life as guided by divine mercy and wisdom, stating, "I walk in the legacy of 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄 'YAHUAH,' whose mercy and wisdom guide my steps," and aligns his professional pursuits in data engineering, fintech, and investments with "His will and purpose."[2] This faith incorporates observance of God's commandments alongside faith in Yahshua, echoing Revelation 14:12's description of saints who "keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Yahshua."[2] Shembo references additional scriptures such as Micah 6:8, urging justice, mercy, and humble walking with God, and Psalms 68:4, praising God by His name.[2] In reflecting on personal challenges, including his 2015 NFL suspension for animal cruelty, Shembo credited spiritual insight for growth, telling ESPN in September 2016: "I thank Jesus Christ for what I went through because it truly opened my eyes."[53] During his Notre Dame tenure, he led prayers at community service events, such as a 2013 meal for the homeless, demonstrating public expression of faith amid athletic commitments.[54]Legal controversies and public scrutiny
2010 sexual battery allegation involving Lizzy Seeberg
On August 31, 2010, Elizabeth "Lizzy" Seeberg, a freshman at Saint Mary's College, alleged that Prince Shembo, then a freshman linebacker on the Notre Dame football team, sexually battered her in his dorm room after she attended a party with mutual friends.[55] [6] In a statement to Notre Dame security police on September 6, 2010, Seeberg described Shembo grabbing her face to kiss her, pulling down her tank top to expose her breast, and placing his finger in her mouth while saying "you're not leaving," actions she interpreted as non-consensual.[56] [6] Shembo cooperated with the university's investigation but was not suspended from the team, and no criminal charges were filed by St. Joseph County prosecutors after reviewing evidence, including text messages from Seeberg to friends expressing regret over visiting the dorm but not immediately detailing assault.[6] [55] The Notre Dame athletic department handled the matter internally without public disclosure at the time, citing privacy policies for student conduct cases.[56] Seeberg died by suicide on September 10, 2010, four days after filing her report.[6] [55] Her family later attributed her distress in part to perceived inaction by university officials and anonymous text messages warning her against pursuing the complaint, though no direct causal link to the allegation was established in official findings.[56] In February 2014, ahead of the NFL Draft, Shembo publicly confirmed his involvement, stating the interaction involved only consensual kissing and that he had done "nothing illegal," while expressing condolences for Seeberg's death.[6] [56] Seeberg's father criticized Notre Dame's response as inadequate, claiming it contributed to her vulnerability, but Shembo maintained his innocence, noting the lack of charges and his full cooperation.[56] [6] The allegation resurfaced in media scrutiny of Shembo's professional career but resulted in no legal consequences.[55]2015 animal cruelty incident and charge outcome
In May 2015, Prince Shembo faced allegations of killing his ex-girlfriend's Yorkshire terrier, named Dior, at his home in Lawrenceville, Georgia.[42][5] The dog's owner, 20-year-old Denica Williams, reported to Gwinnett County police that Shembo had caused the animal's death via blunt force trauma, prompting an investigation completed on May 28, 2015.[5][43] On May 29, 2015, Shembo was charged with felony aggravated cruelty to animals and surrendered to authorities at Gwinnett County jail, where he posted bond and was released later that evening.[5][38] His attorney, Jerry Froelich, stated that Shembo denied intentionally harming the dog, claiming it had choked on a toy and that he performed CPR in an attempt to save it, though an autopsy confirmed death by blunt force injuries inconsistent with such an explanation.[5] The felony charge was resolved on August 12, 2015, when Shembo pleaded guilty to a reduced misdemeanor count of cruelty to animals in Gwinnett County court.[41][57] He received a sentence of one year probation and a $1,000 fine, with no jail time imposed; the plea agreement allowed potential future NFL employment without further restrictions if signed by a team.[45][57]Broader media narratives and viewpoints on accountability
Media coverage of the 2010 Lizzy Seeberg allegation frequently portrayed Shembo's lack of criminal charges and continued prominence on Notre Dame's football team—culminating in a BCS National Championship appearance—as emblematic of institutional reluctance to enforce accountability on high-profile athletes.[6][58] Outlets like ESPN and NBC Sports emphasized Shembo's 2014 public denial of assault, framing it against Seeberg's suicide 10 days after reporting the incident and threats she received from other players, which fueled narratives of a protective "cult of sport" at Notre Dame shielding players from scrutiny.[6][59][60] In the wake of the 2013 Manti Te'o girlfriend hoax and other campus incidents, commentators in sources such as NDInsider highlighted a "pattern" under coach Brian Kelly, including the Seeberg case, as evidence of systemic prioritization of program image over victim accountability, though police investigations found insufficient evidence for charges against Shembo.[58][61] Broader discussions in publications like Better Magazine situated the allegation within "rape culture" on campuses, attributing Seeberg's death partly to delayed university response and athlete intimidation, despite Shembo's account of consensual contact that he halted.[62][63] The 2015 animal cruelty charge revived these themes, with VICE and other outlets linking the alleged fatal kicking of his girlfriend's Yorkie to the unresolved Seeberg matter, portraying it as a behavioral pattern overlooked during Shembo's 2014 NFL draft selection by the Atlanta Falcons.[64][65] The Falcons' immediate waiver of Shembo on May 29, 2015, drew praise from PETA as decisive accountability, contrasting with Notre Dame's handling, though Gwinnett County prosecutors later diverted charges on June 2016 after Shembo completed a pretrial program, allowing expungement without conviction.[66][67][68] Viewpoints on Shembo's overall accountability diverged, with sports-focused media like ESPN stressing factual outcomes—no arrests in the Seeberg probe and accidental self-defense in the dog incident per Shembo's attorney—against more critical narratives in BuzzFeed News and NCR that questioned why prior allegations did not preclude his professional ascent, implying moral rather than legal lapses.[63][69][7] Such coverage often amplified Seeberg's father's public statements identifying Shembo without charges, reflecting a media tendency to prioritize unresolved allegations over exonerative elements like police closures.[70]References
- https://www.[espn.com](/page/ESPN.com)/college-football/game/_/gameId/302750103/notre-dame-boston-college