Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Shaun Rogers was released from jail today and stopped briefly to talk with reporters on the way out, saying he was sorry about his arrest Thursday for preparing to board an airplane while carrying a loaded gun.
“First and foremost, I want to apologize to my family and friends for having to endure all the phone calls and the questions,” Rogers said. “Second of all I want to apologize to the Cleveland Browns, my fans and the community for this unfortunate incident. I’m truly remorseful.”
Rogers didn’t get into specific details about what happened on Thursday, but he did say he wasn’t trying to carry a gun onto a plane.
“By no means did I intend or willingly or knowingly take a firearm into the airport,” Rogers said. “That’s not something I would do.”
Rogers, who played for the Detroit Lions from 2001 to 2007, said he’s licensed to carry the gun in Michigan.
“I’ve had a concealed handgun license for several years now in Michigan,” Rogers said. “I’ve owned a weapon for several years and I’ve had no incidents up until this point.”
It’s arguable whether Rogers can truly say he’s “had no incidents.” A stripper who accused Rogers of forcibly groping her said he had a gun in his waistband at the time, which could be construed as “having an incident.” In fairness to Rogers, however, no charges were filed against him in that case.
In this case, Rogers has been charged with carrying a concealed weapon, a fourth degree felony. His attorney says Rogers plans to plead not guilty.
“Really, I’m just truly remorseful and I just can’t put into words how unfortunate this incident is and I’m completely sorry to the community and the Browns for having me embarrass anybody with the nature of these events,” Rogers said. “And that’s just not my character.”
