Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy addressed reporters for the first time since his wife, Mia, was allegedly shot by the couple’s son.
“First and foremost I want to say this: thank you guys for all the love and support,” he said in a press conference at Chiefs training camp on Tuesday, August 18. “Obviously the unfortunate circumstances which took place [are] very hurtful in a way, but on top of that, I just respect that you guys are respecting our privacy, and hats off to you.”
Bieniemy, 57, continued, “I would also like to say thank you to the Hunt family [owners of the Chiefs], the entire Chiefs family, for the outpouring of love and support my family has received through this particular situation. With all that said, we’re back to football and I’m all ears.”
The Chiefs coordinator spent two weeks away from the team after Mia, was injured in a shooting at the family’s home in Virginia on July 26. He returned to practice on August 10.
Their son, Elijah, was arrested and charged with malicious wounding, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, and discharge of a firearm inside of a dwelling.
Elijah, 27, was transported to the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center where he remains. Mia, 57, is “on the road to recovery,” Eric told reporters.
“She is doing great,” he added, also noting that Mia gave him the OK to return to the team. “She’s truly a soldier and a saint, and it’s been incredible to watch.”
As the Chiefs continue their training camp, the team is now preparing for its second preseason opponent, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, whom they will face on Saturday, August 22. Head coach Andy Reid told reporters last week that Eric was hard at work.
“It’s good to have EB back,” he said. “He’s back in the fold and I don’t think he missed a step, man. He was out there and getting after it. That’s a positive for the offensive side.”
Reid, 68, continued, “I’ve talked to him several times a day, so I knew he was coming back if everything worked out the way he had been. The primary thing is that Mia is stable and in good hands and she’s doing well.”
While Eric was away from the team, Reid addressed the situation, expressing his support to Eric and Mia.
“Our hearts go out to Eric Bieniemy and his family,” he said on July 27. “Thoughts and prayers are with them. I can’t get into details on it, but things happen sometimes. Eric will work through it. He’s got a great support group here, as does his family, as needed. We’ll let time take care of it from there.”
