NFL Star Arrested While Wandering Streets After Suffering ‘Medical Episode’

New Orleans Saints veteran tight end Jimmy Graham was arrested Friday night in Southern California when officers found him wandering in traffic after he suffered a “medical episode.” 

Graham was taken into custody on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance after authorities received a call about someone acting erratically, TMZ reported. Graham allegedly resisted officers who attempted to arrest him before being taken to a hospital. The Saints released a statement Saturday, saying that Graham likely experience a seizure, which resulted in him becoming disoriented. 

“New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham experienced a medical episode last evening, which resulted in him becoming disoriented,” the team said, according to ESPN. “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.”

The 36-year-old tight end signed a one-year contract to return to the Saints this year after spending several seasons in Seattle, Green Bay, and Chicago. Graham, who is a five-time Pro Bowler, did not play during the 2022 season, making his return to the Saints a surprising development for the 2023 season. New Orleans drafted Graham in the third round of the 2010 draft. He quickly became a standout tight end in the league, catching passes from Saints QB Drew Brees.

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The team was in Southern California at the time of Graham’s medical episode and arrest as it prepared to play the Los Angeles Chargers in a preseason matchup. Graham participated in the team’s practice Friday morning and reposted a video on X of Brees and him chatting at the practice. 

The ?!!!! https://t.co/nR5qyNSmTn

— Jimmy Graham (@TheJimmyGraham) August 18, 2023