Saleh Calls Titans Teammate’s Gun Incident a Cry for Help, Draws Criticism

WHO:

Sportskeeda - The Tennessee Titans released defensive tackle Jordan Elliott.

Heavy NFL - Titans head coach Robert Saleh said he was still rooting for Elliott.

ESPN - Saleh vouched for Elliott’s character and called him a “good man.”

ESPN - Elliott, 28, is a seven-year NFL veteran. Titans offensive lineman JC Latham was involved in the dispute with him, and Titans defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers helped de-escalate the situation, according to multiple reports.

Newsweek - Saleh defended Elliott’s character following the gun-related incident.

WHAT:

ESPN - Saleh said Elliott’s attempt to retrieve a gun was “a call for help more than a criminal act” and described it as a “terrible lapse in judgment.”

ESPN - Saleh said, “I will stand on the table for Jordan’s character,” while acknowledging that “rules are rules with regard to guns on property.”

ESPN - Saleh said he would recommend Elliott to other teams seeking a run-stopping defensive tackle, saying, “If you need a hell of a run-stopping D-tackle that can help you on a playoff run, give me a call.”

Sportskeeda - NFL fans criticized Saleh’s response, calling it an “awful response” and saying, “This is insanity.”

ESPN - Elliott appeared in five games this season, including one start, and recorded 11 tackles.

Heavy NFL - Elliott was released after an incident at the Titans’ facility that reportedly followed a heated altercation with Latham.

WHERE:

ESPN - The dispute occurred at Titans practice, and Elliott went to his parked car in the players’ parking lot to retrieve a gun.

ESPN - A source told NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo that the gun never left Elliott’s parking spot.

WHEN:

ESPN - Saleh spoke Wednesday; the Titans released Elliott the day before his comments.

ESPN - Saleh said Elliott attempted to retrieve the gun “last Thursday.” The Titans described the facility incident as occurring last Thursday.

Sportskeeda - The Titans released Elliott on Tuesday.

WHY:

ESPN - Saleh characterized Elliott’s conduct as a call for help rather than a criminal act and said the team’s rules regarding guns on property applied.

ESPN - Saleh said Elliott’s release followed the team’s undisclosed “incident” at its facility.

HOW:

ESPN - A source confirmed to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo that Elliott went to his car after a dispute with Latham to get his gun; the gun reportedly remained in the parking spot.

ESPN - The Titans notified the NFL, which is reviewing the incident. The league’s firearm policy prohibits personnel from possessing firearms at team or league facilities, including stadiums, hotels, planes, and buses.

ESPN - Elliott signed a two-year Titans contract worth up to $8.5 million after spending the previous two seasons with Saleh and the San Francisco 49ers.

The Tennessee Titans have released defensive tackle Jordan Elliott after an incident at the team’s facility involving a gun. Following a heated dispute with offensive lineman JC Latham at practice, Elliott went to his parked car to retrieve a firearm; a source said it never left the parking spot. Titans defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers helped calm the situation, and the team notified the NFL, which is reviewing the incident. The league’s policy bars personnel from possessing firearms at team or league facilities. Coach Robert Saleh said Elliott’s action was “a call for help more than a criminal act,” but also a “terrible lapse in judgment,” adding that team rules still apply. Saleh defended the 28-year-old’s character, called him a good man, and said he would recommend him to teams seeking a run-stopping tackle. Elliott recorded 11 tackles in five games this season, including one start. Fans criticized Saleh’s response.