Robert Saleh addresses gun incident after Titans release Jordan Elliott

Tennessee Titans coach Robert Saleh addressed the circumstances behind Jordan Elliott's release on Wednesday, confirming that the defensive lineman had pulled a gun in the team's parking lot, according to Nashville broadcaster WSMV. Saleh defended Elliott's character during his news conference while discussing an incident that had initially been described only in general terms by the club.

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The Titans announced Elliott's release on Tuesday, October 20. In a statement published on their official website, the team said an incident involving him had occurred at its facility on Thursday, October 15, and that it had decided to remove him from the roster after reviewing what happened. The announcement did not identify a firearm or describe the confrontation.

WSMV reported that Saleh subsequently confirmed details that had emerged in reporting by NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. Those accounts described a practice altercation involving offensive tackle JC Latham, followed by Elliott retrieving a gun from his car. Defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers intervened to calm the situation, according to NFL Network reporting cited by Parade.

In comments reported by Parade, Saleh portrayed Elliott's conduct as a serious error of judgment and said he viewed it as an indication that the player needed help. That was the coach's assessment, rather than a legal determination. He also acknowledged that rules concerning firearms on team property applied despite his support for Elliott as a person.

Saleh said he would speak with other clubs interested in the defensive tackle and vouched for his ability to contribute against the run. WSMV reported that the coach believed Elliott should have another opportunity on an NFL roster. Elliott had been inactive for Tennessee's game against Indianapolis on Sunday, before the team formally announced his departure two days later.

The matter is also under league review, Parade reported, after the Titans notified the NFL. A league spokesperson, in comments to ESPN cited by Parade, said the firearms policy covers team and league facilities as well as stadiums, hotels, planes and buses. Saleh's public support for Elliott therefore comes alongside an ongoing review and the club's completed decision to release him.