NFL Network has suspended veteran analyst and former star linebacker Willie McGinest following his arrest for use of a deadly weapon.
Video footage has been released of McGinest’s involvement in a bar fight in West Hollywood on Dec. 9. In the video, McGinest is seen punching a man in the face before hitting him with a bottle (WARNING: Video below contains violence some viewers may find disturbing).
McGinest was arrested this past Monday and had his bail set at $30,000. Per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, an NFL Network spokesman also confirmed that the former New England Patriot has been taken off the air:
“We are aware of the incident and the video, which is disturbing. Willie McGinest will not appear on NFL Network while we review the matter.”
McGinest, who turned 51 years of age on Dec. 11, played for the Patriots from 1994 to 2005. The two-time Pro Bowler was a member of New England’s first three Super Bowl championship teams (2001, 2003 and 2004). He spent his final three seasons with the Cleveland Browns (2006-08) before retiring and moving into the analyst role at NFL Network.
