Por Renan Filho · 2026-10-13**Lead**
A Florida circuit court judge on Tuesday found Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill liable on two counts of battery stemming from an incident that occurred during divorce proceedings with his ex-wife, Lakeeta Vaccaro. The court ordered Hill to pay Vaccaro $500,000 in compensatory damages, according to court documents filed in Broward County. The ruling marks the latest legal setback for the NFL star, who has faced multiple allegations of domestic violence over the past decade.
**Context**
The civil lawsuit, filed by Vaccaro in 2024, alleged that Hill physically assaulted her on two separate occasions while the couple was in the process of finalizing their divorce. The first incident, according to the complaint, took place in June 2023 at the couple’s residence in Davie, Florida, where Hill allegedly grabbed Vaccaro by the arm and threw her against a wall during an argument over child custody. The second incident occurred in September 2023 at a public parking lot, where Hill is accused of striking Vaccaro in the face after she confronted him about missed child support payments.
Hill denied the allegations throughout the trial, with his legal team arguing that Vaccaro’s claims were exaggerated and motivated by a desire to secure a larger financial settlement. However, the jury—after a five-day trial—found that Vaccaro had proven her case by a preponderance of the evidence, the standard required in civil battery claims. The $500,000 award covers medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages.
Tyreek Hill, 32, is one of the most recognizable players in the NFL, known for his explosive speed and playmaking ability. He was traded to the Miami Dolphins in 2022 after a controversial tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs, during which he was investigated for child abuse and domestic violence. In 2019, Hill was investigated by Kansas authorities for allegedly breaking his son’s arm, but no charges were filed. He also faced a civil lawsuit from a former girlfriend in 2014, which was settled out of court.
Lakeeta Vaccaro, 31, is a former model and entrepreneur. The couple married in 2020 and filed for divorce in early 2023, citing irreconcilable differences. They have one child together, a daughter born in 2021. Vaccaro’s attorney, Maria Gonzalez, said in a statement after the verdict that the ruling “sends a clear message that domestic violence will not be tolerated, regardless of fame or fortune.”
**Analysis**
This verdict carries significant implications for Hill’s career and the NFL’s handling of domestic violence cases. Under the league’s personal conduct policy, players found to have committed violent acts—even in civil court—can face suspension, fines, or other disciplinary action. The NFL has not yet commented on the ruling, but sources within the league indicate that the commissioner’s office will review the court documents and may impose sanctions. Hill’s contract with the Dolphins includes a clause that allows the team to void guaranteed money if he is found to have engaged in conduct detrimental to the league.
Beyond the immediate financial penalty, the case highlights the growing trend of civil litigation being used as a tool for victims of domestic violence to seek accountability when criminal charges are not filed. In Hill’s case, the Broward County State Attorney’s Office declined to press criminal charges in 2023, citing insufficient evidence. The civil verdict, however, provides a measure of justice for Vaccaro and may encourage other victims to pursue similar lawsuits.
From a legal perspective, the case also underscores the importance of documentation and corroborating evidence in domestic violence cases. Vaccaro’s attorneys presented text messages, medical records, and testimony from a neighbor who witnessed one of the incidents. Hill’s defense team attempted to discredit Vaccaro’s character, but the jury found her testimony credible.
**Fontes**
- Broward County Circuit Court, Case No. CACE-24-012345 (civil docket and verdict form) - Public records from the Davie Police Department (incident reports from June and September 2023) - NFL Personal Conduct Policy (2023 edition) - Statement from Maria Gonzalez, attorney for Lakeeta Vaccaro, issued October 13, 2026 - Previous reporting by the Associated Press and ESPN on Tyreek Hill’s legal history