Eric Bieniemy’s Wife Hospitalized After Alleged Shooting by Their Son at Kansas City Home
The story out of Kansas City on Sunday night was not about training camp or contract talks. It was heartbreaking.
Mia Bieniemy, the wife of Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, was reportedly shot at the family’s home. Police arrested the couple’s son, Elijah Zion Bieniemy, on three felony charges connected to the incident. Mia was rushed to a local hospital, where she was being treated for what were described as serious injuries.
Eric Bieniemy has stepped away from the Chiefs while his family navigates the situation. The team has not put a public timetable on his return, and it should not have to. Football is not the priority in this house right now.
This is one of those stories that stops you cold. Eric Bieniemy is one of the most respected coaches in football, a longtime lieutenant in Kansas City’s championship staffs before returning this year, and by every account a devoted family man. To read about his home being the site of something this violent, involving his own son, is the kind of news no one is prepared for.
Reports have not disclosed the alleged circumstances that led to the shooting. Police continue to investigate, and Elijah’s charges will move through the court system in due time. Getting facts right matters here more than speed.
The football piece is almost beside the point, but for the sake of team planning it should be noted. The Chiefs promoted Bieniemy back to offensive coordinator this offseason to help sharpen the passing game around Patrick Mahomes. Any extended absence would put more of the offensive play-calling on Andy Reid and the rest of the staff.
None of that should be anyone’s focus right now. What should be everyone’s focus is Mia Bieniemy’s recovery, the safety of the family, and the mental and emotional toll on a father who is dealing with the worst kind of nightmare while cameras hover on the driveway.
Whatever anyone thinks about the details as they emerge, this family needs privacy and prayers, not takes.
Sports media has a bad habit of racing to say something about tragedies before the family is even out of the hospital. That is not what this moment calls for. The Chiefs’ organization has said the right things, quietly and firmly, and they are giving Eric the space he needs.
The rest of us can do the same. Wish Mia a fast and full recovery, hope Eric finds strength, and let the courts handle the rest.
Football will still be here whenever the Bieniemy family is ready.
A longtime sports reporter, Carlos Garcia has written about some of the biggest and most notable athletic events of the last 5 years. He has been credentialed to cover MLS, NBA and MLB games all over the United States. His work has been published on Fox Sports, Bleacher Report, AOL and the Washington Post.
