Overview
- Aiyuk posted the Instagram stories on Monday that show him feeding two dogs and in a later clip appearing to nudge and then kick one while using a racial slur, and the videos were widely reposted and condemned on social media.
- He remains on the San Francisco 49ers’ reserve/left‑squad list after missing rehab for an October 2024 knee injury and has said he will not seek reinstatement with the team.
- The 49ers voided portions of Aiyuk’s 2026 guarantees for missed rehab, which preserves team control over his contract and has already chilled trade interest.
- Teams have largely pulled back from trade talks because they require current medical exams and on‑field proof of fitness after his ACL/MCL/meniscus tear, and the new footage further damages his marketability.
- Legal experts and reporters note that intentional animal harm is illegal in every U.S. state, meaning the clip could prompt law‑enforcement or league review and make any NFL return contingent on reinstatement, medical clearance, and behavioral assurances.