NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Two-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons apologized Wednesday for yelling at a local radio talk show host after the Tennessee Titans wrapped up practice.
Video of Tuesday's confrontation went viral with Simmons heard live swearing and ranting at the host over a social media post referencing the lineman being involved in separate fights during practice. Simmons said he talked over the issue with the host, who works for the Titans ' flagship station.
“He has a job, and I have a job,” Simmons said. "At the end of the day, I take full accountability for my actions on the field. That will never happen again with me.”
Simmons said he was still revved up from practice when he came back out of the locker room out onto the field near where the radio station was broadcasting live. A teammate was sitting down to be interviewed when Simmons made clear he wasn't happy.
“To all you guys, I apologize and not because it hit social media, but it’s because of who I am. That’s not my character, and I think from now on out, from that point, I spoke on it and I’m ready to move forward,” Simmons said.
NOTES: OLB Arden Key, reportedly facing a six-game suspension for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancers, declined to speak with reporters on Wednesday after practice. Reporters called out to Key who left the field through an area where media are not allowed. ... Cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, given a maintenance day Tuesday, practiced Wednesday. S Jamal Adams missed a second straight day, and WR Tre’Shaun Harrison left practice early.
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Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, left, runs a through a drill as defensive line coach Tracy Rocker, right, uses a resistance band during practice at NFL football training camp, Wednesday, July, 31, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (98) runs through a drill during practice at NFL football training camp, Wednesday, July, 31, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons walks off the field after practice at NFL football training camp, Wednesday, July, 31, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons responds to questions from the media at NFL football training camp, Wednesday, July, 31, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
BEIRUT (AP) — A Lebanese judge ruled Monday that the country’s former central bank chief will remain in jail while facing charges of embezzling tens of millions of dollars from state coffers.
Lebanon’s Financial Public Prosecution division charged Riad Salameh last week with embezzlement of $42 million after he was detained following an interrogation by Lebanon’s top public prosecutor over several alleged financial crimes.
Salameh has maintained that he is innocent.
On Monday after Salameh appeared at a court hearing, Judge Bilal Halawi issued an arrest warrant against him, meaning he will remain behind bars while the case is tried.
Judicial officials said Salameh arranged with two attorneys to transfer money from the central bank through other accounts, eventually reaching his own.
Following the charges, Lebanon’s justice ministry filed a lawsuit against Salameh for alleged embezzlement of public funds.
Salameh ended his 30-year term as central bank governor a year ago under a cloud, with several European countries investigating allegations of financial crimes. Many in Lebanon blame him for the crippling financial crisis that has gripped the country since late 2019.
A judicial official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly about the case said Salameh appeared in court on the day of his arrest last week without a lawyer, believing that he had been summoned as a witness, not a suspect.
Many Lebanese depositors saw their savings dissipate or remain trapped in banks as a result of the plunging national currency and collapse of the banking system.
A small group of protesters gathered outside the justice palace in Beirut to urge that Salameh remain behind bars.
“Everyone who collaborated with Riad Salameh, whether in the deep state or in the banks or the thieves and money launderers or the media that whitewashed Riad Salameh, they will all be with him" in jail, said Elias Jaradeh, part of a group of independent legislators who came to office in 2022 on an anti-government and anti-corruption platform.
Salameh was appointed in 1993 and was initially celebrated for his role in steering an economic recovery after Lebanon's 15-year civil war, and for keeping the economy on an even keel during long spells of political gridlock and turmoil.
He has for years denied allegations of corruption, embezzlement and illicit enrichment. He insists that his wealth comes from inherited properties, investments and his previous job as an investment banker at Merrill Lynch.
Sewell reported from Istanbul.
A Lebanese police officer blocks protesters from entering the court building, as they protest against Riad Salameh, the former governor of Lebanon's Central Bank, in Beirut, Lebanon, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)
Protesters confront the police convoy transporting Riad Salameh, the former governor of Lebanon's Central Bank, upon his arrival at the court building in Beirut, Lebanon, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)
Protesters try to confront the police convoy transporting Riad Salameh, the former governor of Lebanon's Central Bank, upon his arrival at the court building in Beirut, Lebanon, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)
A protester holds a mock noose, as she protests outside the court building against Riad Salameh the former governor of Lebanon's Central Bank, in Beirut, Lebanon, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)
FILE - Riad Salameh, Lebanon's Central Bank governor, attends a news conference, in Beirut, on Nov. 11, 2019. Lebanon charged its embattled former central bank governor Wednesday with the embezzlement of $42 million, three judicial officials told The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla, File)
Former Lebanon central bank chief to remain in jail while facing corruption charges
Former Lebanon central bank chief to remain in jail while facing corruption charges
