Palo Alto police have stated they will not release body-cam footage or an accident report from a collision involving San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, citing exemptions under the California Public Records Act and state vehicle law.
The department has informed reporters that records from the July 14 crash are "exempt from disclosure," with a spokesperson telling TMZ that "nothing will be released related to this accident." The collision occurred approximately two weeks before it was revealed to the public at the start of the team's training camp.
Shanahan, who was temporarily replaced by assistant head coach Chris Foerster, addressed the incident on Tuesday. He admitted to being distracted prior to the crash, stating, "I went down to look for it and took my eyes off the road for two seconds." He reported that the airbags struck him, breaking his nose, and that the vehicle's visor gashed him, resulting in approximately 40 stitches. He also mentioned that he "nearly lost an eye" in the wreck, according to former NFL quarterback Chris Simms.
Initially, a clerical error in the local law enforcement database had attributed the crash to the female driver of the other vehicle. Shanahan clarified the situation, stating, "I hit her," and expressed relief that she did not sustain serious injuries and that he survived the incident without losing an eye.
The crash took place near the intersection of Alma Street and Hamilton Avenue in Palo Alto. The driver of the other vehicle reportedly sustained minor injuries. Police have stated that no preferential treatment was given to either party involved and that it is not uncommon for citations to be withheld in such collisions.
Shanahan, who has coached the 49ers since 2017, will have limitations during training camp due to his injuries. He was observed watching practice on Sunday, indicating a step towards recovery. Fatigue has been noted as a significant issue for him following the incident.