Doug Pederson: No plans to release Nigel Bradham after arrest

ByPhil Sheridan ESPN logo
Wednesday, July 27, 2016

PHILADELPHIA -- Eagles coach Doug Pedersonsaid Wednesday he didn't foresee Nigel Bradham's arrest affecting his status with the team and there is no plan to release the veteran linebacker, who signed with the club as a free agent in March.

Bradham was expected to report to the team's practice facility Wednesday, days after being arrested for aggravated battery in Miami. On the last day of the team's June minicamp, wide receiver Nelson Agholor was accused of sexual assault. No charges were filed after the incident was investigated by police and the district attorney's office.

"Until we get further information from the authorities in South Florida and from Dom [DiSandro, the Eagles' director of security], I don't want to punish him for being here," Pederson said. "Let him practice. Let him work. Let him go through the conditioning test [Thursday morning]."

For first-head coach Pederson, the issues reflect badly on the Eagles organization.

"I can't speculate," Pederson said of Bradham's arrest. "It's an ongoing investigation. I did have a great conversation with him last night. I laid out my expectations for him. It was a private conversation. He's obviously humbled by it and he understands the situation. Until we get further details from the authorities, I can't speculate."

Bradham, 26, was arrested for punching a worker at a South Beach hotel, breaking his nose, according to police. He has a court date next Tuesday, which happens to be the Eagles' first day off of training camp.

Pederson said he addressed the players about expectations and responsibilities at a team meeting in April. He will reinforce those expectations at a team meeting Wednesday night, he said.

"I did that back in April at my first team meeting with them," Pederson said. "You always lay out your expectations, what you expect on the football field and off the football field. You've got to make smart decisions. We're in a high-profile business in the city of Philadelphia, which is going to be magnified a little bit.

"You've got to be smart and careful. We all suffer from our bad choices and decisions. I address the team quite often, actually. I addressed the rookies just the other night."

The Eagles drafted a couple of players whose stock had been affected by off-the-field incidents.

"Those are things you research before signing those guys," Pederson said. "A lot of places are different - different cultures, different cities, different organizations. I just know this. When they come to Philadelphia, there's an expectation level that needs to be upheld. I have to be very clear where I stand with the players."