Why is Willie McGinest facing four years in prison? All about ex-Patriots LB’s felony charges

Former NFL linebacker Willie McGinest was caught up in an alleged assault case last year. As per reports, the currently suspended analyst was in a Los Angeles nightclub when the incident took place. McGinest was charged with two felony counts on Thursday.

That being said, his arraignment meeting will be held in April. In the process, the accused is asked to state if they are guilty or not. In McGinest's case, he has been charged with one count each of assault with a deadly weapon, and assault with the means of force that might cause someone an injury.

This information, as reported by USA Today, comes after the 51-year-old turned himself in last December. A video released showed McGinest assaulting a man, which eventually led to a proper scuffle. Willie McGinest punched the man and even used a bottle as a weapon.

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The incident reportedly took place at the 'Delilah' restaurant on the 7900 block of Santa Monica Boulevard

Before taking up a job as an analyst, McGinest was the fourth pick during the 1994 Draft. He played 15 seasons in the NFL, 12 of which were with New England Patriots. The two-time Pro Bowler also won three Super Bowls in New England. McGinest spent three seasons with the Cleveland Browns before retiring in 2008.

Willie McGinest at the Variety's Sports Entertainment Breakfast Presented By Mercedes-Benz

Willie McGinest attack timeline explained

As per reports, McGinest's scuffle took place on December 9, 2022. TMZ released the video, which clearly depicted as to how it all went down.McGinest eventually released an apology statement on December 23, 2022.

"Most of all, I am disappointed in myself, as I know this is an isolated incident and is not reflective of my faith, role as a father, life's body of work, or the role model I've worked hard to become," McGinest stated.

He added:

"It is personally devastating that decades of community service, youth engagement, mentoring, and professional development would become an afterthought in a single moment that should have never happened.

However, McGinest assured everyone that he would take any steps necessary to restore the public's faith.

He also posted bail of $30,000 at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in West Hollywood.

About the author

Devika Pawar has a BA in Psychology and is a journalist at Sportskeeda with over five years of experience.

Her first taste of the NFL came via the Super Bowl in early 2022, and after watching them give it all and come up short, Devika is a supporter of the Cincinnati Bengals. While they came close on that occasion, Devika believes the Bengals' Super Bowl window is still open and good times may be just around the corner.

Tom Brady gets the nod in the GOAT conversation for Devika, as his stats, accolades and achievements deserve the recognition. Simply put, no one else comes close. As for coaches, Devika can't look past Andy Reid as the NFL's best coach. His work with not just the dominant Kansas City Chiefs but also the Eagles put him ahead of all the rest.

In her spare time. Devika loves to write stories, watch TV and catch a movie or two. She also watches cricket, basketball and badminton, and follows the Golden State Warriors and Chicago Sky.

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Edited by Siddharth Sikdar