Video footage was released of the arrest of New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore last month in his hometown of Cleveland.
Lattimore has been charged with possession of a loaded pistol that was allegedly stolen, which is a fourth-degree offense. He was also initially arrested for failing to notify officers of a concealed weapon.
The video shows Lattimore not immediately telling officers he was carrying a concealed weapon while sitting in the passenger seat of a vehicle pulled over due to traffic violations. But when they ask if anyone carries a gun, Lattimore tells them he puts a loaded Smith & Wesson gun under his pants. He said he did not want to look like he was striving for something. He also told them he had the permit to carry a hidden weapon.
An officer warned Lattimore that “You’re going out — shoot.” Another added, “Get yourself a holster, brother.”
Officials also suggested that Lattimore and others in the car appeared to be smoking an abundance of marijuana. When asked if he did not just have weed drugs, Lattimore said no.
Eventually officers realized who Lattimore was. And one of them said, “The amount of stuff you’re going to do for yourself … it’s not like you’re an F’-ing chump out there, brother.”
“I know, I’m not,” Lattimore replied. “I’m just back home.”
Lattimore spent two nights in Cuyahoga County Jail before being released. The case would then go to a grand jury to determine whether he would be formally charged.
Two additional passengers, Kenyon Moon and Maurice Walton, were arrested on charges of possessing weapons while unfit. The driver, Carl Willis, was arrested on a charge of improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle.
Lattimore, 24, is one of the NFL’s leading cornerbacks and is on track for the final year of his rookie contract with the Saints. He was selected in three Pro Bowls and was named the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2017 after being drafted in the first round of the state of Ohio.