Willie McGinest is “embarrassed” by his recent assault arrest.
The ex-Patriots great was arrested in Los Angeles this week in connection with an alleged assault he committed at hotspot Delilah two weeks ago. Video of the incident appeared to show McGinest punching a man in the face and hitting him in the head with a bottle.
Friday, McGinest issued a statement on Instagram apologizing and expressing his regret.
“First and foremost, I want to offer my deepest apology for my lapse in judgment and behavior on December 9 at a restaurant in West Hollywood,” McGinest wrote. “To my family, community, friends, and youth I mentor, please know I feel horrible for my actions and take full responsibility.
“To my colleagues at the NFL Network and those that I work closely with as an advisor to professional and community-based organizations, please know I am embarrassed and regret what occurred.”
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McGinest is a three-time Super Bowl champion and holds the all-time record for sacks in the postseason with 16.
“Most of all, I am disappointed in myself, as I know this is an isolated incident and is not reflective of my faith, role as a father, life’s body of work, or the role model I’ve worked hard to become,” McGinest continued in his statement. “It is personally devastating that decades of community service, youth engagement, mentoring, and professional development would become an afterthought in a single moment that should never have happened.
“This incident has prompted me to deep self-reflection — mind, soul, and spirit. I know that violence is never the answer to such situations, no matter how intense the provocation. Rest assured, I will take whatever steps necessary to restore the public trust, mend damaged relationships, and ensure this never happens again.”
McGinest is an on-air talent on NFL Network, which said in a statement that the outlet is “aware of the incident and the video, which is disturbing.
The statement added McGinest won’t appear on the network while they review the incident.
