Los Angeles Rams defensive end Aaron Donald was embroiled in a contentious dispute with his ex-girlfriend over their French bulldog in the weeks leading up to his decision to end his retirement and rejoin the team. New court documents obtained by the California Post detail a legal fight concerning the dog's alleged aggressive behavior towards their children.
In a court filing dated late July, Donald requested sole physical custody of his two children with ex-girlfriend Jaelynn Blakey, citing the French bulldog as a danger. He alleged that the dog had bitten his daughter on the mouth in September 2023, bit Blakey’s niece on the mouth less than a year later, and injured his son in the face in March 2026. Donald reportedly attached photographic evidence of these alleged injuries to his filing. He claimed Blakey had agreed to rehome the dog after each incident, but her children informed him it had returned to her Los Angeles home without her informing him.
Blakey, in her response, denied the dog was dangerous and stated the children were not fearful of it. She accused Donald of attempting to force her to relinquish the pet as a means to harm her. She described the dog as an emotional support animal and a beloved pet to her children, particularly her youngest daughter.
Despite the disagreement, a stipulation and order filed on August 3 indicated that Blakey ultimately removed the dog from her home permanently. Donald and Blakey subsequently agreed to continue co-parenting their children as they had prior to the dispute.
Donald, who retired from the Rams in March 2024 after a decade-long career, announced his return to the team on August 30. It remains unclear if the three-time Defensive Player of the Year will play in the Rams' season opener against the San Francisco 49ers.