The Philadelphia Eagles changed course on wide receiver Josh Huff and elected to release the wide receiver, two days after he was arrested and charged with a DUI and unlawful possession of a handgun.
Eagles release Josh Huff 2 days after DUI arrest
Huff said all pro athletes have a gun for protection.
Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images
One day after the receiver’s arrest, the team said it was still gathering information, but Eagles head coach Doug Pederson told reporters Huff was still set to play Sunday “until [he finds] out the exact severity of the situation.”
Huff likely didn’t help himself any by defending his actions. Officers say the receiver was in possession of marijuana and a 9mm handgun and six hollow-point bullets without a gun permit. Huff told reporters that he does have a license for the weapon, but it’s from Texas and not valid in New Jersey, where he was arrested.
“I’m a professional athlete. What professional athlete don’t have a gun?” Huff said Wednesday, via Philly.com. “I have a wife and I have a son at home, and my job is to protect them at all costs. My job is to protect myself, as well.”
After his release, Huff changed his course:
“First, I want to apologize to [Eagles general manager Howie] Lurie and his family, my coaches and teammates, and all Eagles fans,” Huff said in a release, via Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. “I’m sorry that any action by me brought negative light to this organization. I want to thank the Lurie Family, Howie, this community and the entire Eagles organization for the opportunity I’ve had for the past three years. Most important, I want to let the fans and community as a whole know that I understand the responsibility I have as a professional athlete, and I will take all measures necessary to correct mistakes I have made.”
A few days later, Huff was picked up by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
A third-round pick in the 2014 NFL draft, Huff never played up to his billing as a deep threat with the Eagles, but did provide value as a kick returner. He had a 107-yard kick return touchdown as a rookie and had a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in a Week 7 win over the Minnesota Vikings.
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