Former NFL player Patrick Pass faces legal trouble after an alleged gym altercation with an 82-year-old man.
At a Glance
- Ex-Patriots player Patrick Pass arrested for allegedly assaulting an elderly man at a Rhode Island gym
- Incident occurred on August 28 over a dispute about exercise equipment
- Pass denies wrongdoing, but faces felony charges for assaulting a man over 60
- The 82-year-old victim, Juan Muriel, reported significant pain and inability to walk after the incident
- Pass, a three-time Super Bowl champion, is scheduled to appear in court in January
Former NFL Player Accused of Assaulting Elderly Man
Rhode Island authorities have arrested Patrick Pass, a former NFL player and three-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots, for allegedly assaulting an 82-year-old man at a Planet Fitness gym in North Providence. The incident, which reportedly stemmed from a dispute over exercise equipment, occurred on August 28 and has shocked the local community.
Pass, 46, faces serious charges including assault of a man over the age of 60 causing bodily injury, which is a felony, and disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor. The victim, Juan Muriel, reported significant pain and difficulty moving following the alleged assault. Despite the severity of the accusations, Pass vehemently denies any wrongdoing.
Ex-Patriots FB Patrick Pass Arrested After Allegedly Assaulting Elderly Man At Gym | Click to read more 👇 https://t.co/ytuDUiClOz
— TMZ (@TMZ) September 18, 2024
Pass Denies Allegations
When confronted by reporters, Pass strongly refuted the claims against him. In a statement to NBC 10, he expressed disbelief at the accusations, suggesting that the allegations were implausible given his stature and reputation.
“Look at me do you think I’m going to do that? Really, please, come on,” Pass, 46, told the outlet. “I have better things to do than try to assault someone.”
However, the alleged victim, Juan Muriel, paints a different picture of the events. Muriel claims he was pushed without provocation, leading to injuries that significantly impacted his mobility in the days following the incident.
Legal Proceedings and Bail
Following his arrest, Pass appeared in court for an arraignment. The judge set bail at $10,000 personal recognizance, which Pass posted, allowing him to be released from custody. As part of his release conditions, Pass has been ordered to stay away from the victim. His next court appearance is scheduled for January 8, where he will face the charges against him.
The case has garnered significant attention, not only due to the nature of the allegations but also because of Pass’s status as a former NFL player. Pass was drafted by the New England Patriots in 2000, one round after Tom Brady, and went on to win three Super Bowls with the team. He also had brief stints with the Houston Texans and the New York Giants before retiring in 2009.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
As the investigation into the incident continues, the local community and fans of the New England Patriots are left grappling with the allegations against a once-celebrated athlete. This case serves as a stark reminder that even those who once held positions of admiration can find themselves on the wrong side of the law.
The incident has also raised questions about security and conflict resolution in public spaces like gyms, where people of all ages and backgrounds come together. As the legal process unfolds, many will be watching closely to see how justice is served and what measures might be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.
