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Los Angeles Rams: Does Tyrunn Walker re-signing fit culture change?

By Greg Archuleta

SEATTLE, WA - OCTOBER 05: Tyrunn Walker, shown being carted off in a 2015 game as a member of the Lions, re-signed with the Rams after a Louisiana grand jury refused to indict him on sexual-assault allegations. Will his presence affect the Sean McVay culture change that is taking place? (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - OCTOBER 05: Tyrunn Walker, shown being carted off in a 2015 game as a member of the Lions, re-signed with the Rams after a Louisiana grand jury refused to indict him on sexual-assault allegations. Will his presence affect the Sean McVay culture change that is taking place? (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Rams re-signed defensive tackle Tyrunn Walker after serious legal issues. Is his return appropriate for the Sean McVay culture change?

The Sean McVay culture makeover with the Los Angeles Rams appeared in full gear in June. That’s when the Rams dismissed defensive tackle Tyrunn Walker, whom they originally signed in March. Walker’s dismissal occurred amid reports that he faced an accusation of sexual assault in Louisiana, ESPN.com reported. Walker had not been charged.

Los Angeles re-signed Walker on Wednesday, three weeks after a Lafayette, LA grand jury decided against indicting him. Because of the Rams’ depth concerns on the defensive line, reinvesting in Walker makes sense. Since Walker’s release, L.A. lost end Dominique Easley to a torn ACL in training camp. Also, perennial All-Pro Aaron Donald remains a camp holdout.

A source told ESPN.com in June that the Rams “did not see a place for him on their roster.” He simply could be filling a position need. But was it the right move for McVay’s culture change? Are the Rams satisfied that Walker was not involved in a sexual assault? Or did they just base their decision on the refusal to indict? Will the NFL investigate?

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Two women accused Walker and another man of sexual assault at a Lafayette hotel during Mardi Gras. The New Orleans Advocate reported that the grand jury’s decision “came as a surprise to both of the women, who testified before the grand jury, one of their mothers said Thursday.”

The report added that Glenn McGovern, an attorney representing the plaintiffs, accused the Lafayette police of conducting an exceedingly “sloppy” investigation of the matter. He said the police report contained several problems.

The case has a tone similar to that of Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott. In 2016, Elliott’s former girlfriend accused him of domestic violence. A Columbus, OH City Attorney’s Office declined to press charges. But an NFL investigation resulted in a six-game suspension for Elliott after taking a year to conclude.

Next: NFL RB Power Rankings 2017: Zeke suspension fallout

The Rams won’t face the same media spotlight as Dallas because Walker is not a star like Elliott. That doesn’t absolve them of doing their due diligence on Walker. McVay’s culture makeover requires it.

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