Former Miami Dolphins Player’s 2-year-old Son Accidentally Shoots Himself; Father Arrested on Child Cruelty Charge

A former Miami Dolphins player is facing criminal charges after authorities say his 2-year-old son accidentally shot himself with a firearm that had been left within the child’s reach.

According to the Baton Rouge Police Department, 23-year-old Leveon Moss was arrested Monday on a charge of cruelty to juveniles following the incident at his apartment on South Flannery Road in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Investigators say Moss brought his son to Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital after the toddler suffered a gunshot wound. Authorities allege that Moss told officers he had been asleep with his son in the bed when the child accessed a handgun that had been stored underneath his pillow. The child reportedly fired a single round, striking himself.

Arrest documents state that investigators determined the firearm was negligently stored, allowing the child to gain access to it. The affidavit alleges that “due to Moss’ negligence, a child under the age of seventeen suffered unjustifiable pain,” leading to the cruelty to juveniles charge.

The child’s current condition has not been publicly disclosed.

Moss starred at Istrouma High School before continuing his football career at Texas A&M. He later spent time with the Miami Dolphins organization.

The investigation remains ongoing, and Moss is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.