Saints release statement following Jimmy Graham arrest, claim he experienced medical episode

The New Orleans Saints have released a statement in light of Jimmy Graham’s arrest for suspected use of a controlled substance. The team said Graham might have suffered a seizure and, after heading to the hospital for observation, returned to the team Saturday.

“New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham experienced a medical episode last evening, which resulted in him becoming disoriented,” the statement read. “He was taken into custody by local authorities and transported to a local hospital for evaluation for what Dr. John Amoss believes to be a likely seizure and spent the night under medical supervision and testing.

“Amoss met Graham at the hospital and is overseeing his care at this time. He was released this morning and is with the team as they continue preparations for Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers.”

Saints’ TE Jimmy Graham was arrested last night in Los Angeles. The Saints said it was a medical condition related to a seizure and released this statement: pic.twitter.com/mRpVSXXX1N

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 19, 2023

According to TMZ, Graham was arrested on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance. TMZ reported Graham had been wandering in traffic near a resort in Southern California prior to being arrested. He was also accused of resisting arrest.

Graham and the Saints have been in California this week ahead of Sunday night’s preseason matchup between the Chargers and New Orleans. The two teams held joint practices this week leading up to Sunday’s game.

Graham sat out the 2022 season after spending the previous two years with the Chicago Bears. He signed a one-year deal to return to the Saints this offseason, taking him back to the franchise he started his career with from 2010-14. He also played for the Seattle Seahawks and Green Bay Packers.

A five-time Pro Bowler, Graham has appeared in 184 games — including 132 starts — during his career. He has totaled 8,506 yards and 85 touchdowns across his 11 seasons in the NFL.

The Saints originally drafted Graham in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft out of Miami, where he played basketball before playing a season of football as a graduate student. In 2009, he totaled 17 receptions for 213 yards and five touchdowns before taking his talents to the league.

New Orleans is preparing for its second preseason game on Sunday against the Chargers. The Saints played its first matchup Aug. 13 against the Kansas City Chiefs and will wrap up the preseason slate Aug. 27 against the Houston Texans. They’ll then kick off the 2023 season Sept. 10 against the Tennessee Titans.

On3’s Matt Connolly contributed to this report.