Titans Player Breaks Silence on Teammate's Gun Incident, Cites Mental Health Concerns

Tennessee Titans player JC Latham has spoken for the first time since his teammate Jordan Elliott was cut from the team after attempting to confront Latham with a gun during an argument at practice. Elliott was dismissed on Tuesday following the incident, which occurred when he retrieved a firearm from his car after the altercation.

Another Titans player, John Franklin-Myers, intervened and de-escalated the situation by convincing Elliott to put the weapon away. The NFL is reportedly investigating the matter, and Elliott could face a suspension even as a free agent if a violation is found.

Latham described the event as an "unfortunate situation" and suggested that Elliott may be dealing with mental health issues. "It was heat of the moment, and s*** happens," Latham told reporters on Wednesday. "There ain't never been no bad blood between us two."

Latham elaborated that he and Elliott had previously maintained a positive relationship, spending time together off the field. "We were here on the summer getting treatment. Before that, we hung out whenever we were in the same city together. We actually had never had an argument leading up to it," Latham said. "So I actually think mental health is extremely important, and that's just one of those situations where you just pray for a guy like that."

Latham also expressed his gratitude to Franklin-Myers for his intervention. "I told him I appreciate it," Latham added. "I was still on the field, apparently,... so I just told him how much I appreciate him for that."

Titans head coach Robert Saleh defended Elliott's character, characterizing the incident as a potential "cry for help" rather than a criminal act. Saleh referenced recent cases of NFL players dying by suicide and expressed a desire for Elliott to "get all the help he needs."

Saleh vouched for Elliott's character, stating that the incident was out of character and that he would "stand on the table" for him. He also indicated a willingness to speak with other NFL teams about Elliott, should they be interested in signing him. "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," Saleh said. "He's a good man. Had a terrible lapse in judgment that I recognize as a call for help more than a criminal act.... [Elliott] deserves another chance. Rules are rules, it can't be here."