If you or a loved one is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Offensive lineman JC Latham stated that there is no bad blood between him and former Tennessee Titans teammate Jordan Elliott following an altercation in which Elliott retrieved a gun from his car. Latham described the incident as an unfortunate situation that occurred in the heat of the moment. This statement came shortly after Titans head coach Robert Saleh publicly defended Elliott following his release from the team.
Latham told reporters on Wednesday that he and Elliott had spent the summer getting treatment together and often hung out when they were in the same city. He emphasized that they had never had an argument leading up to the incident. "There ain't never been no bad blood between us two," Latham said. He added that his hope is for the best for his former teammate, noting that mental health is extremely important in such situations.
Saleh characterized the incident as a possible cry for help, a view Latham appeared to support. The coach passionately defended Elliott, who is 28 years old, stating that he would stand on a table for the player's character. Saleh acknowledged that rules regarding guns on property are strict, but he argued that the reaction to Elliott's release was greater than a knee-jerk response to kicking someone when they are down. He addressed the other 31 NFL teams, stating that if they need a run-stopping defensive tackle to help on a playoff run, he would provide them with everything they need to know about Elliott, describing him as a good man who had a terrible lapse in judgment.
The coach argued that the lapse should be recognized as a call for help rather than a criminal act. He praised the NFL and the organization for doing an outstanding job by pausing to ask why a man who is a father, a great husband, and has never committed a crime in his entire life would pull a gun in a parking lot. Saleh noted that Elliott shows up on time every day, works hard, contributes as expected, and is well-liked in the locker room. He believed these small signs indicated something greater was happening and that the team checked every box to ensure Elliott received the necessary help.