For Now, No Disclipline For ‘Humbled’ Bradham
Doug Pederson. (Jeff Fusco)
Doug Pederson and the Eagles have decided to allow Nigel Bradham to take part in training camp despite being arrested for an alleged assault of a hotel employee in Miami.
“Until we get further information from the authorities in South Florida…I just felt like don’t punish him from being here and just let him practice, let him report, let him go through physicals, conditioning test, all that, and we’ll see what happens in a few days,” said Pederson following Wednesday’s practice.
Pederson said he had a “great” talk with Bradham Tuesday night and said the linebacker is “humbled” by the situation.
Per NBC, Bradham was allegedly part of a group that “started arguing with the employee over the length of time it took to bring them an umbrella they had paid for.” Bradham reportedly struck the employee several times.
Source close to Bradham says he struck umbrella attendant amid dispute in which Bradham’s girlfriend was punched, as people shoved/argued.
— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) July 27, 2016
Source close to Bradham says counter-charges against attendant are in the works.
— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) July 27, 2016
Nigel Bradham hit beach attendant three times after attendant swung at him, missed and hit girlfriend, per sources. …
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) July 27, 2016
Altercation started because of dispute over umbrella. After Nigel Bradham hit the worker, he fled the scene.
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) July 27, 2016
The alleged victim has a different version, per Eliot Shorr-Parks:
Courtois, 50, denied a report that he sparked the incident by hitting Bradham’s girlfriend.
“No,” Courtois said. “I didn’t hit anybody.”
Bradham, who was arrested on suspicion of assault, has a court appearance scheduled for Aug. 2. Coincidentally, that’s the Eagles’ first day off from training camp.
According to Courtois, who said he is receiving medical attention for injuries sustained in the incident, Bradham became impatient and struck him when Bradham was unhappy with the service.
“(Bradham) asked me to set up six chairs in the front (of the hotel). I told him I couldn’t set up six chairs in the front because the city wouldn’t allow it,” Courtois said. “I told him that I couldn’t do it, and he had to use the back [of the hotel].
“So I set up six chairs. Next, I had to (set up) the umbrella. To set up the umbrella, I had to use a drill. My manager was my witness. I told my manager to go get the drill. I needed it to fix the umbrella. When I went to go fix it, (Nigel Bradham) hit me.”
Pederson said that he has talked to the players about how they should conduct themselves on and off the field, and will do so again in a meeting tonight.
“When they come to the Philadelphia Eagles, there’s an expectation level to be upheld and that starts with me,” he said. “I have to be very clear from where I stand with the players and the coaches for that matter and make sure they understand. Once they leave the facility they’re citizens but at the same time they understand that the players represent their families, the Philadelphia Eagles and the entire organization.”
In other linebacker news, the Eagles released Travis Long Wednesday. Pederson said it had nothing to do with Bradham and that the team simply wanted to give Long an opportunity to catch on elsewhere. He said there’s a chance the now-open 90th spot on the roster will be filled with an LB.
“It’s good,” said Pederson of the linebacker depth. “I love the fact that we’ve got the three starters coming in…And then I’ll tell you, Joe Walker has done a great job for us this offseason and he’s gonna put himself in position to be a solid backup and then you’ve got some young guys there. But at the same time we’re going to continue to monitor that position and just watch and see and keep upgrading if we can but right now very pleased with the work that these guys have done in the offseason, with what the rookies have shown these last three days and just looking forward to putting the pads on.”
Agholor reports
Veterans need to be at the NovaCare by 2 p.m. today. Nelson Agholor reported but did not speak with the media. He plans on talking tomorrow.
The first full-squad training camp practice is Thursday afternoon. The selected vets, including Sam Bradford and Chase Daniel, that have been working with the rookies got Wednesday off, meaning for reps for Carson Wentz.
It was a light, rather uneventful session, but things will pick up starting tomorrow.
Pederson on Boldin
Pederson confirmed a report from Ian Rapoport that the the Eagles did have eyes for Anquan Boldin before he signed with the Lions.
“There was a little interest there,” he acknowledged. “We’re always with Howie [Roseman] and Joe [Douglas] and the guys we’re continuing to always see about upgrading every position and he’s on the list, obviously. Basically that’s where it’s at. Nothing’s gone forward with that. We’re monitoring every roster, every free agent that’s out there. And if we can help our team somehow, some way we’ll do it but right now there’s nothing in the works.”