What did Willie McGinest do? Tom Brady's ex-teammate's assault charges, NFL ouster explored

New England Patriots legend Willie McGinest is in hot water. The former elite linebacker, an ex-teammate of NFL legend Tom Brady, has been charged with two felony counts from an incident in LA in December 2022.

McGinest was charged with one count of assault with a deadly weapon and assault by employing force likely to cause significant bodily injury.

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Willie McGinest assault case: Ex-Patriots star could be jailed for brutal attack on man

Former NFL linebacker Willie McGinest Jr. is imprisoned due to being charged with two felonies for his role in a restaurant brawl in Dec. 2022. The New England Patriots icon was arrested on Dec. 19 for an alleged assault at a Southern California restaurant.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office officially filed charges against McGinest, 51, hitting him with one count of assault with a deadly weapon and one count of assault employing force likely to cause significant bodily injury. Each charge carries four years in prison. Willie McGinest's arraignment has been set for April 2023.

Numerous people that McGinest was with could also be seen taking punches at the man sitting at a table in the bar lounge.

McGinest apologized for his involvement in the altercation, claiming that it was a 'lapse in judgement.'

'First and foremost, I wish to offer my deepest apology for my lapse in judgment and behaviour on December 9 at a restaurant in West Hollywood,' he said in a statement on December 23. 'To my family, friends, community, and youth I mentor, please know I feel horrible for my actions and take full responsibility for these actions.

He continued:

'To all my colleagues at the NFL Network and those I work closely with, please know I am embarrassed and regret what happened. Most of all, I am immensely disappointed in myself, as I know this is an isolated incident and does not reflect my faith, role as a father, life's body of work or the role model I have worked hard to become.

"This unfortunate incident has prompted me to deep self-reflection, mind, soul and spirit. Violence is never the answer, no matter how intense the provocation is. Rest assured, I will take the necessary steps to restore the public trust, mend damaged relationships and ensure this never happens again.'

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Willie McGinest NFL career: How much did he earn as a player?

The New England Patriots drafted Willie McGinest as the fourth pick of the 1994 NFL draft. He served the Patriots with distinction for 12 seasons of his 15-year NFL career and was a key contributor to three Super Bowl-winning teams. He also made the Pro Bowl twice in his distinguished career.

In 15 seasons with the New England Patriots (1994-2005) and Cleveland Browns (2006-08), McGinest played 212 games, recorded 804 tackles and 86 sacks, and a league-record 16 postseason sacks. He earned around $50 million in salary in the NFL. He was one of the better players in his position and remains a legend in New England.