Titans head coach Robert Saleh stood in strong defense of his former defensive lineman Jordan Elliott despite last week‘s practice incident.
According to multiple reports, the 28-year-old attempted to retrieve a gun from his car following an altercation with a teammate last Thursday, which resulted in him being released by Tennessee a handful of days later.
The Titans reportedly notified the NFL of the situation and the matter is currently being investigated by the league.
Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Titans HC Robert Saleh defends Jordan Elliott: ‘He’s a good man’
Speaking to reporters for the first time since the incident went public, Saleh gave an impassioned defense of Elliott despite his low moment.
“I will stand on the table for Jordan’s character,” Saleh said Wednesday. “Unfortunately, rules are rules with regard to guns on property. And sometimes it’s far greater than the knee-jerk reaction of kicking somebody when they’re down.”
“My message to 31 other teams would be if you need a helluva run-stopping D-tackle that can help you on a playoff run, give me a call. I’ll tell you everything you need to know about him. He’s a good man. Had a terrible lapse in judgment that I recognize as a call for help more than a criminal act. It’s unfortunate the way it went down,” the coach continued.
“As far as Jordan’s concerned and the locker room and all that, I think people see it differently here than the knee-jerk reaction of the world.”
The NFL’s firearm policy prohibits any personnel from possessing firearms at any team or league facilities, per a league spokesman.
Elliott signed a two-year, $8.5 million deal with the Titans this offseason and appeared in five games with 1 start. He was inactive for Sunday’s upset win over the Colts.
