Former NFL player Patrick Pass and Cleveland Browns rookie Mike Hall Jr. are facing serious legal issues following recent allegations of violence. Both incidents have raised concerns about conduct within the professional sports world.
Patrick Pass, a former New England Patriots fullback and three-time Super Bowl champion, was arrested after allegedly assaulting 82-year-old Juan Muriel at a Planet Fitness gym in Providence, Rhode Island. According to reports, the altercation occurred on August 28, 2024, following an argument over exercise equipment. Pass is accused of shoving Muriel to the ground, resulting in injuries to the elderly man’s lower back. Despite Muriel’s injuries, which initially left him unable to walk or lay down, he has since recovered to about “ninety percent.”
Muriel expressed disbelief, stating, “I feel like somebody pushed me for nothing.” Despite being a longtime Patriots fan, he was deeply hurt by the incident, given his admiration for Pass and the team.
Pass denied the allegations when speaking with WJAR, stating, “Look at me. Do you think I’m going to do that, really? Please, come on. I have better things to do than try to assault someone.” Neighbors expressed shock, with one resident, Sydney Demedeiros, saying, “It’s the big superstar in the neighborhood, so I’m shocked, actually. Never showed any signs of anger that I know of.”
Pass was arraigned in court, given a $10,000 personal recognizance bail, and ordered not to have any contact with Muriel. He is due back in court on January 8, 2025.
Meanwhile, Cleveland Browns rookie defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. is facing domestic violence charges after allegedly holding a gun to his fiancée’s head during an argument on August 12, 2024, in Avon, Ohio. According to reports, the 21-year-old NFL player allegedly threatened his fiancée, saying, “I will f—ing end it all. I don’t care,” while pressing a gun to her forehead.
The argument reportedly escalated over financial concerns related to the fiancée’s daughter from a previous relationship. Hall allegedly dragged his fiancée by her feet along the driveway and physically assaulted her, including hitting her in the head with a baby bottle and choking her. The victim’s mother corroborated her daughter’s account in a written statement, according to ESPN.
When police arrived at the scene, Hall had fled, but officers found evidence of a physical altercation, including damage to the home and two handguns. Hall pleaded not guilty to the charges and was released on a $10,000 bond. His next court hearing is set for September 10, 2024.
The Cleveland Browns released a statement acknowledging the incident: “Mike and his representatives have been in touch with the appropriate authorities. We are in the process of gathering more information and will have no further comment at this time.”
Both cases highlight serious concerns about violence and misconduct involving professional athletes. Patrick Pass’s incident underscores the potential for conflict even after a player’s career has ended, while Mike Hall Jr.’s case is a stark reminder of the pressures and challenges young athletes may face as they transition to the professional sports stage. The outcomes of these legal battles will likely have lasting impacts on the careers and personal lives of both men.
