New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham was arrested in southern California on Friday night after police discovered him “wandering in traffic” and “acting erratically,” according to TMZ Sports. The Saints have since released a statement indicating Graham was “disoriented” due to a “medical episode.”
Saints TE Jimmy Graham Arrested Following Medical Episode
Police found Graham acting strangely and walking in the street near a California resort on Friday. When authorities attempted to detain Graham, he resisted before being taken into custody.
Graham was arrested on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance and resisting, delaying, and obstructing a police officer, both misdemeanors. He has since been released.
The Saints released a statement on Graham’s incident, suggesting that the veteran tight end likely suffered a seizure on Friday night.
“New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham experienced a medical episode last evening, which resulted in him becoming disoriented,” according to the statement.
“He was taken into custody by local authorities and transported to a local hospital for evaluation for what Dr. John Amoss believes to be a likely seizure and spent the night under medical supervision and testing.
Amoss met Graham at the hospital and is overseeing his care at this time. He was released this morning and is with the team as they continue preparations for Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers.”
Statement from the New Orleans Saints: pic.twitter.com/k3D0QiVvbN
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 19, 2023
Graham, 36, spent the 2022 campaign out of the NFL before reuniting with the Saints on a one-year deal in July. He spent five seasons (2010-14) in New Orleans after joining the team as a third-round pick, scoring 51 touchdowns in 78 games while earning multiple All-Pro and Pro Bowl berths.
Graham has also spent time with the Seattle Seahawks, Green Bay Packers, and, most recently, Chicago Bears. In 2021, he appeared in 15 games for the Bears, managing 14 catches for 167 yards and three touchdowns.