Fans shared their opinions on Tennessee Titans coach Robert Saleh’s statement about defensive tackle Jordan Elliott’s release from the team. On Oct. 15, Elliott had an altercation with teammate J.C. Latham. The tensions escalated to a point where Elliott allegedly went to his vehicle to retrieve a firearm. Defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers reportedly intervened to de-escalate the situation. As a result of the incident, the Titans released Elliott on Tuesday.

In Wednesday’s news conference, Saleh said: “He’s a good man. Had a terrible lapse in judgment that I recognize as a call for help more than a criminal act.”

Saleh’s statement left NFL fans divided.

“This sounds like Saleh is excusing the behavior. Yes, Elliott may be dealing with off-the-field issues, but that does not excuse him going to his car to retrieve a gun over an argument. Elliott should be the one taking accountability for his actions,” one fan wrote.

“This is what you want in a coach! Man understands life,” one fan wrote.

“So he was dealing with this for weeks, the team knew, and was still allowed to practice and play, putting everyone else at risk. This is an issue that needs to be addressed. WHY WAS HE EVEN THERE IF YOU KNEW HE HAD MENTAL ISSUES??” one fan asked.

“Respect. This is class and a great leader right here,” one fan added.

“Robert Saleh is just actively putting 31 teams in danger 😭,” one fan added.

“Okay, say what you want, but Saleh did this interview the absolute best you could do, granted the situation. He’s a great mentor, and I can see why he keeps getting head coach jobs despite his track record,” one fan said.

“Stop making excuses for irresponsibility. Men throughout history ‘go through a lot’ but it’s the entitlement culture masked by a ‘cry for help’ that is the problem,” one fan reacted.

“This man is a great leader. He made a recommendation for a man who made a very poor decision. But he used EQ Emotional Intelligence over IQ. He knows the character, the work ethic of Jordan, and didn’t throw all that out because of the poor decision. He still must enforce rules,” one fan remarked.

“This guy will never play again. What the coach is doing- making excuses for him is 🤮,” one fan added.

Robert Saleh Vouches For the “Good Man” in Jordan Elliott Despite Shocking Titans Incident

Despite the incident involving Jordan Elliott, Robert Saleh described the defensive tackle as a good man and said he would vouch for him to other NFL teams. He urged other NFL teams to give Elliott an opportunity.

“I’m not saying that’s where he was, but these kids go through a lot. I will stand on the table for Jordan’s character,” Saleh said. “Unfortunately, rules are rules regarding guns on (team) property, and sometimes it’s far greater than the knee-jerk reaction of kicking somebody when they’re down. My message to 31 other teams would be: If you need a helluva run-stopping D-tackle that can help you on a playoff run, give me a call. I’ll tell you everything you need to know about him.”

Saleh also explained the five-day gap between the incident and the release. The coach said the franchise wanted to ensure Elliott “got all the help he needs” after the incident. However, the Titans head coach also admitted that Elliott might find it hard to believe that “something greater was happening.”

Elliott was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the third round of the 2020 NFL draft. After spending the first four seasons there, Elliott had subsequently played for the San Francisco 49ers and the Titans. His NFL career includes 159 total tackles, five sacks and five pass deflections.