NFL legend, key cog in early Patriot dynasty charged with 2 felonies following incident shown in disturbing restaurant video

Ask any New England Patriots fan what they liked most about former linebacker standout Willie McGuinest, and you’ll often hear a variation on the same thing: The man just exuded “Patriot Way.”

Fierce, smart, and efficient (the man is still the all-time NFL career playoff leader), McGinest was as important to the New England Patriots’ first Super Bowl Series as anyone else, including Tom Brady and Adam. Vinatieri.

Unfortunately for both his fans and McGinest himself, he now seems to embody another trait of a patriot – breaking the law (both NFL and federal).

According to TMZ, McGinest was charged with one count of assault with a deadly weapon and one count of assault with force capable of causing grievous bodily harm.

Both allegations are linked to the same heartbreaking restaurant incident in December.

The video shows that as McGinest and his team left the restaurant, something happened that completely pissed off the former NFL star.

McGinest, who is a very large man (he was 6’5″ 270 pounds in his playing days and still seems to be in amazing shape for a 51 year old), supposedly lost it due to something. , and apparently joined them as the intended victim was completely outnumbered.

You can check all the videos by yourself below:

WARNING. The following video shows violence that some viewers may find offensive.

At one point in the fight, the combatants completely disrupted another family’s dinner by knocking over a table.

A little later, a man, identified as McGinest, appears to impale the man with some kind of bottle, which could have resulted in an attack with a lethal weapon charge.

Both charges carry up to four years in prison each, according to TMZ.

McGinest, for his part, has already faced some of the fallout from his alleged outburst.

According to Pro Football Talk, the NFL network suspended McGinest after the initial arrest in December, and the Patriots legend hasn’t appeared on TV since.

Shortly after the incident first became known, McGinest issued a quick apology, according to TMZ.

“First of all, I want to offer my deepest apologies for my error of judgment and behavior on Dec. 9 at a restaurant in West Hollywood,” McGinest said. “To my family, community, friends and youth that I mentor, please know that I feel terrible about my actions and take full responsibility.”

McGinest’s trial in the case is scheduled for April.

McGinest has been largely silent on social media, with his last tweet being a statement he released on December 23, 2022.

pic.twitter.com/hiMvf3s1MV

— Willie McGinest (@WillieMcGinest) December 23, 2022

“This incident prompted me to deep introspection – mind, soul and spirit. I know that violence is never the answer to such situations, no matter how strong the provocation. Rest assured, I will take all necessary steps to restore public trust, mend damaged relationships, and ensure this never happens again.”