Jimmy Graham has made a career out of dodging tacklers and running from defenders on the football field, but that’s not who was chasing him on Friday (August 18). Just five days removed from his return to the field after sitting out the 2022 season, Graham was seen in a video running from security guards.
The video, which was obtained by TMZ, shows Graham – a veteran tight end for the New Orleans Saints – running on the sidewalk with two security guards chasing him. Authorities were called after a witness saw him acting erratically and suspiciously walking through traffic – as if he were under the influence.
He was eventually stopped by police officers near a Southern California resort – where his team was staying. He originally resisted arrest, but was later taken into custody for suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance and resisting, delaying, and obstructing an officer, according to TMZ.
On Saturday (August 19), the New Orleans Saints attempted to provide details about the incident, but ended up raising even more questions. In their statement, which was posted on the team’s social media account, they said Jimmy Graham ‘experienced a medical episode’ ahead of his arrest on Friday.
Statement from the New Orleans Saints: pic.twitter.com/k3D0QiVvbN
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 19, 2023
“He was taken into custody by local authorities and transported to a local hospital for evaluation for what Dr. John Amoss believes to be a likely seizure and spent the night under medical supervision and testing,” the statement read – adding that the 5-time Pro Bowler was ‘disoriented’ after experiencing the seizure.
Dr. Amoss monitored his health throughout the night and Graham was released the following morning. The Saints confirmed that he was back with the team on Saturday ‘as they continue preparations for Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers’ – it’s unclear if he’s expected to suit up on Sunday.
Jimmy Graham is entering his 13th season in the NFL and sixth season with the New Orleans Saints – though it’s just the first season of his second stint with the team. In 184 games played, he has recorded 713 catches, 8,506 yards, and 85 touchdowns. In his prime, he was one of the best tight ends of all time.
Fans and Followers Express Concern Over Jimmy Graham
This was (and potentially still is) a crucial season for Jimmy Graham – who sat out the entire 2022 season and was looking forward to making his return to a team that made him famous. Now, many are wondering if years of hard hits and collisions are taking their toll on him – with some people fearing he has CTE.
These two ❤️@drewbrees ???? @TheJimmyGraham pic.twitter.com/2KZSH0Jgx1
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 18, 2023
“It’s always a possibility when you get hit that many times. Multiple concussions, who knows? We hope that it’s not that, but he’s never had a drinking problem and never had a drug problem so what could it be? He definitely needs to see a doctor and get checked out,” one fan said to Fox 8 Live on Saturday.
Other fans were quick to note that he has never been in trouble with the law and has always been a standout citizen, teammate, and person, in general. “He’s never had any problems with anybody and now all of a sudden, nine, 10 years into his career something weird like that happens,” another fan said.
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At this moment, it doesn’t appear that he was under the influence, but it’s certainly concerning that he was acting the way he did – which is why many people suspect CTE. Considering the stories we hear about former athletes experiencing similar issues with the law, we can only hope that Jimmy Graham is okay.
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