Patrick Pass, a former fullback for the New England Patriots, is facing serious legal trouble following an alleged assault involving an 82-year-old man.
Pass was arrested after allegedly pushing octogenarian Juan Muriel at a Planet Fitness in Providence, Rhode Island, resulting in injuries to the elderly man, as the Daily Caller reports.
The incident reportedly occurred on Aug. 28 at the gym where both Pass and Muriel were present. According to a police report, the altercation escalated when Pass allegedly shoved Muriel, causing injuries to the man’s lower back. Following the alleged assault, Muriel struggled to walk or even lay down for several days. He has since stated that he feels "almost ninety percent" recovered.
Pass, known for his role as a fullback on three Super Bowl-winning New England Patriots teams, was arrested on charges of assaulting the elderly Muriel. Muriel, a long-time Patriots fan who claimed to have attended nearly every game, expressed his disbelief over the altercation. "I feel like somebody pushed me for nothing," Muriel stated, recalling the event that left him temporarily unable to perform basic physical activities.
Authorities reported that Pass was arraigned shortly after his arrest. He has been ordered to have no contact with Muriel as part of his bail conditions, which was set at $10,000 personal recognizance. Pass is expected to return to court on January 8, 2024, where further legal proceedings will take place.
The severity of the charges could lead to significant legal consequences for Pass, who has denied the accusations. Pass told reporters, "Look at me. Do you think I’m going to do that, really? Please, come on." He added that he had "better things to do than try to assault someone."
Patrick Pass’ football career began in 2000 when he was selected by the Patriots in the seventh round of the NFL Draft. Over his time in the league, he accumulated over 1,000 total yards, scored three rushing touchdowns, and caught one touchdown pass. He was part of three Super Bowl-winning teams under the leadership of coach Bill Belichick.
However, Pass’ professional football career saw a brief pause in 2007 when he played a single game for the New York Giants. During that game, he was targeted once but did not record a catch. His arrest now casts a shadow over a career that once brought him fame and respect in the sports world.
Neighbors of Pass were surprised by the news of the arrest, with Sydney Demedeiros, who lives near Pass, stating, "I’m so shocked right now. He’s always been a good guy." She expressed her disbelief, adding, "It’s the big superstar in the neighborhood, so I’m shocked, actually. Never showed any signs of anger that I know of."
Juan Muriel, though initially bedridden after the alleged assault, has reported significant improvements in his condition. He told reporters that he is feeling "almost ninety percent" better, a substantial recovery from his initial inability to walk or lay down.
As the case moves forward, both sides are preparing for the upcoming court date in January 2024. Pass will be required to defend himself against the serious charge of assaulting an elderly individual, a crime that carries potentially severe consequences if he is found guilty.
In the meantime, Muriel continues to recover physically while processing the emotional toll of the alleged incident. As a long-time Patriots fan, he expressed both shock and disappointment that the altercation involved someone he once cheered for on the field. "I used to go to almost every game," Muriel remarked, reflecting on the irony of the situation.
Pass has maintained his innocence throughout the ordeal. His legal team is expected to argue that the incident has been misunderstood and that Pass did not intentionally harm Muriel. Whether the court will accept his version of events remains to be seen when the case resumes in January.
