ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Former NFL running back Zac Stacy, once hailed for his on-field power and agility, is now making headlines for a horrifying act of domestic violence that has left the nation stunned. Stacy, 30, spent the night in the Orange County Jail after being arrested for a violent assault on his ex-girlfriend, Kristin Evans, inside her home near Orlando.
The attack, captured by a home surveillance camera, is as shocking as it is brutal. In the footage, which Evans herself decided to make public, Stacy can be seen violently grabbing Evans and throwing her into a television set with overwhelming force. The TV shatters and collapses, while their five-month-old child sits nearby, watching the terrifying scene unfold.
This chilling video has sparked national outrage, reigniting conversations about domestic violence, how it is handled by law enforcement, and the accountability of public figures who engage in such acts.
🧍♀️ The Victim Speaks: “Enough Was Enough”
Evans spoke exclusively to Fox 35 News, detailing the months of abuse she endured during her relationship with Stacy. She explained that she released the footage not for publicity, but to protect herself and to help other women who might be trapped in similar situations.
“I wanted people to see what I’ve been enduring,” she said. “I wanted to make sure he doesn’t get away with this. Too many times, these things happen behind closed doors and no one believes the victim. I wanted the world to see what he’s capable of.”
Evans described the attack as the breaking point in a pattern of violence. “He’s been violent throughout our relationship,” she continued. “But this time, it happened in front of our baby. That’s when I realized enough was enough. I had to protect myself and my child.”
The footage itself is disturbing: Stacy storms toward Evans in the living room, grabs her with both arms, and hurls her like a rag doll into the TV. The impact is so intense that both the television and the entertainment stand crash onto her. He continues the assault while she screams, their infant only a few feet away.
🏠 A History of Violence and Missed Red Flags
The incident on camera was not the first time police had been involved. Orange County law enforcement records reveal that officers had been called to Evans’s home at least twice before.
- On August 16, police responded to a domestic disturbance involving Stacy and Evans.
- On September 26, they returned again to investigate another possible domestic violence situation.
Each time, Evans reported violent behavior, but she says her complaints were largely dismissed. “I told them what was happening. I showed them the signs. But it felt like no one took me seriously,” she told reporters.
Evans also expressed frustration with how Florida law treats domestic violence cases. “In the state of Florida, domestic violence is treated as a simple battery, which is just a misdemeanor,” she said. “But because he damaged my property — up to $1,000 — it’s being treated as felony criminal mischief. So, basically, my TV is worth more than my life.”
Her statement has since gone viral, with thousands online expressing outrage at the apparent disparity between property protection and victim protection under current legal statutes.
⚖️ Facing Felony Charges and a Judge
Stacy now faces two serious charges:
- Aggravated Battery
- Criminal Mischief (Felony)
He is expected to make his first court appearance this afternoon, where prosecutors will outline the severity of the attack and argue for appropriate bail conditions. Legal analysts suggest that the surveillance video will be a key piece of evidence, likely making it difficult for Stacy’s defense team to downplay the assault.
If convicted, Stacy could face significant prison time, especially given the violent nature of the attack and the presence of a child during the incident.
🏈 From the NFL Field to a Jail Cell
Stacy’s descent from professional athlete to accused felon has been rapid and dramatic. Once a promising running back, he played two seasons for the St. Louis Rams before joining the New York Jets in 2015. His NFL career ended shortly afterward due to injuries, but he briefly resurfaced in the Canadian Football League before retiring.
Off the field, however, court records show multiple incidents indicating a turbulent personal life. Friends and family members of Evans say they had witnessed troubling behavior in the months leading up to the attack. Some claim they had urged her to leave the relationship earlier, but fear and emotional manipulation kept her tied to him.
🗣️ A National Conversation on Domestic Violence
The release of the video has reignited debates about how domestic violence cases are handled in the United States, especially when the accused is a public figure or former athlete. Advocacy groups have pointed out that many victims, like Evans, face systemic obstacles when seeking protection — from limited legal recourse to cultural stigma and disbelief.
“This case is a perfect example of how the system often fails victims,” said one domestic violence advocate. “Evans reported the violence before, and nothing was done. Only when there was video evidence did the case gain attention. That’s unacceptable.”
Social media has exploded with commentary. Many have called for harsher penalties for domestic abusers and stronger protections for victims. Some have drawn parallels to other high-profile cases involving athletes, arguing that fame and status sometimes shield perpetrators from accountability.
👩👦 Evans’s Fight for Justice
For Evans, the road ahead is long, but she is determined to seek justice — not just for herself, but for other women in similar situations. “I’m living in fear, but I’m not going to stay silent,” she said. “This isn’t just about me anymore. I want to make sure this never happens to anyone else.”
She is now working with attorneys and local women’s organizations to ensure that Stacy faces the full consequences of his actions. Meanwhile, her priority is ensuring the safety of herself and her child as the legal battle unfolds.
