Tennessee Titans Release Defensive Tackle Jordan Elliott After Gun Incident
Head coach Robert Saleh defended the player's character following his dismissal from the team.
Tennessee Titans head coach Robert Saleh addressed the media to defend former defensive tackle Jordan Elliott, who was recently released by the team following an incident involving a firearm at the franchise's training facility.
The confrontation took place on Thursday, October 15, in Nashville, following a dispute between Elliott and offensive lineman JC Latham, according to reports from the NFL Network. During the argument, the 28-year-old defensive tackle went to his vehicle to retrieve a gun, though sources confirmed the weapon never left his parking spot.
Defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers intervened during the altercation to de-escalate the interaction. The National Football League is currently investigating the incident, which prompted the Titans to announce on Tuesday, October 20, that the organization had officially parted ways with Elliott.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, October 21, Saleh described the situation as a severe lapse in judgment rather than a criminal act, emphasizing that people within the locker room viewed the event differently than the public's initial reaction. The 47-year-old coach stated that he would stand on the table for Elliott's character, despite acknowledging that team rules regarding firearms on property must be enforced.
Saleh vouched for the player's abilities and integrity to the rest of the league, encouraging other franchises in need of a run-stopping defensive tackle to consider signing him for a playoff run. Elliott entered the league as a third-round selection in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns and spent two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers before joining the Titans.