New Orleans Saints backup quarterback Ryan Griffin needed more than 50 stitches to close facial lacerations he received after being struck with a champagne bottle during an argument earlier this month at a Central Business District lounge, New Orleans police records show.
The 25-year-old Tulane graduate, entering his third year with the Saints and battling veteran QB Luke McCown for a roster spot, was absent from a practice session last Wednesday (June 10) — the only session open to media — but practiced with the team as normal on Tuesday.
“We are aware of the situation and the matter is under investigation,” said a Saints spokesman. “Ryan has been exemplary as a Saint and he has our full support.”
The reported bottle attack began not long after Griffin and some friends arrived at Apres Lounge, 608 Fulton St., around 1:50 a.m. on June 7. According to an NOPD incident report obtained by NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune, Griffin told police he thought he “bumped into” a group of men already inside the lounge.
“Mr. Griffin believes words were exchanged and he was struck in the head with a champagne bottle,” NOPD 8th District Officer Tony Mitchell states in the report. “Mr. Griffin said that his friends told him that they believed it was a champagne bottle because the contents were sprayed all over them when he was struck with the bottle.”
Griffin left the lounge for Tulane Hospital’s emergency room, the report states, where he received more than 50 stitches for lacerations to his face. He eventually returned to his Warehouse District apartment, where he spoke with police later that evening.
“On behalf of Ryan Griffin, he was the victim of an assault and battery,” said Griffin’s lawyer Justin Reese. “Currently, we are unable to comment on the details of what happened due to the impending investigation by the New Orleans Police Department. We are confident that NOPD will do everything in their power to find the assailant, and bring this matter to justice. Ryan has been a long standing and exemplary member of the New Orleans community since his tenure at Tulane, and now as a Saint. Ryan, thanks everyone for their support in this matter.”
Griffin’s agent could not be reached for comment, and an owner for Apres Lounge declined to comment when reached by phone Tuesday.
Via- NOLA.com