Howie Roseman Explains Why Josh Huff Was Cut
Howie Roseman. (Jeff Fusco)
Two days after Josh Huff’s arrest for speeding, having tinted windows, possessing marijuana and having a gun not licensed in the state of New Jersey with hollow-point bullets, the Eagles decided to cut the receiver.
“It’s disappointing that we have to stand up here and do this, but we’re trying to building something,” Howie Roseman said. “We’re trying to build something that lasts and some of that means that we’re going to have to make some hard decisions. All we can do is do what we think is right for the Philadelphia Eagles.”
Roseman made the decision to cut Huff along with owner Jeffrey Lurie, President Don Smolenski and coach Doug Pederson. Roseman said it was a unanimous choice and that he and Pederson met with Huff Thursday morning in person to deliver the news. He also noted the NFL didn’t pressure the team, but he declined to specify which charge the Eagles viewed as the worst one and if the team made the decision based off of information that isn’t available to the public.
“It’s a hard thing to do on all us. It’s the hardest part of this business,” Roseman said. “We all care about Josh Huff. We care about the players on our team. That’s the business we’re in. We spend a lot of time with them and these decisions are hard, but we have to do what’s right for the Philadelphia Eagles.”
Huff expressed regret Wednesday afternoon and said he made a “terrible decision,” while acknowledging he didn’t know “enough” about New Jersey gun laws. The receiver noted he had a gun and hollow-point bullets for protection as he felt his life had “been threatened” in the past. He also told the team he didn’t have the gun on the team’s premises, which would have been a violation of league policy.
However, Huff is the third Eagle in four months to run into trouble with the law. Nelson Agholor was accused — but ultimately never charged with — sexual assault, while Nigel Bradham’s legal proceedings are still ongoing. When asked why Huff was released but Bradham is still on the roster, Roseman said the circumstances are “very different.”
Roseman added that he isn’t concerned about other players running into trouble with the law in the future after the last few incidents.
“Obviously, I can’t predict the future, but we feel like we have a good group and we’re heading in the right direction,” Roseman said.
Bradham had an arraignment hearing Wednesday morning for his misdemeanor concealed weapon charge for carrying a loaded gun through airport security in Miami, but he didn’t have to attend in person. He told Birds 24/7 Wednesday afternoon he didn’t know the result of the hearing yet, but he expected to only have to pay a $300 to $400 fine. Bradham also has a trial hearing on January 17 for a felony charge of aggravated battery causing bodily harm for allegedly assaulting a Miami hotel employee in July.
With Huff cut, the Eagles now have an open roster spot. Roseman said it will be filled before the Eagles’ game on Sunday against the New York Giants.