Saints QB Ryan Griffin struck in head at bar with bottle, needs 50 stitches

ByMike Triplett ESPN logo
Wednesday, June 17, 2015

METAIRIE, La. -- New Orleans Saints backup quarterback Ryan Griffin needed more than 50 stitches in his face after being struck with a champagne bottle during an early morning argument at a New Orleans lounge last week, according to police records obtained by NOLA.com.

Griffin was considered the victim in the incident, according to his attorney, Justin Reese, who also confirmed to ESPN.com that the statements outlined in the police report were made by Griffin to the reporting officer.

Reese declined to confirm specific details of the incident.

"We are unable to comment on the details of what happened due to the impending investigation by the New Orleans Police Department," Reese said in a prepared statement. "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 practiced with the Saints on Tuesday after he had been absent during last Wednesday's session that was open to the media.

"We are aware of the situation, and the matter is under investigation," Saints spokesman Greg Bensel said. "Ryan has been exemplary as a Saint and he has our full support."

New Orleans police officer Frank Robertson could only confirm that a victim was injured in the incident without identifying the victim by name Tuesday evening, when public records requests could not be approved.

According to the NOLA.com report, Griffin and some friends arrived at Apres Lounge around 1:50 a.m. June 7.

Griffin told police he thought he "bumped into" a group of men inside the lounge, which led to words being exchanged and Griffin being struck with the bottle.

According to the police 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 was treated at the emergency room before returning home, where he spoke with police later that evening.

Griffin, a third-year pro who played his college ball in New Orleans at Tulane, is competing with veteran Luke McCown and third-round draft pick Garrett Graysonfor a roster spot behind starterDrew Brees.