Why were charges dropped against Marcus Maye? New details emerge from Saints star's case

New Orleans Saints safety Marcus Maye
New Orleans Saints safety Marcus Maye

Marcus Maye, one of the New Orleans Saints' top defensive players, was arrested in September on charges of aggravated assault with a firearm. Those charges have now been dropped by the Jefferson Parish District Attorney, which declined to prosecute him because of insufficient evidence.

At the time of Maye's arrest, a statement from the JPSO indicated how the former University of Florida was involved in the incident:

“Maye was identified as the driver of a black SUV that was involved in an incident in which he is accused of pointing a firearm at another vehicle that was occupied by several juvenile females.”

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Eric Hessler, Marcus Maye's lawyer, said that the statement by the sheriff's office was false. Hessler's statement maintained his client's innocence:

“Marcus vehemently denies the allegation from a motor vehicle incident and looks forward to defending himself when all the facts come out."

The incident took place in the New Orleans area after Marcus Maye left the New Orleans Saints' practice facility. He did not face a suspension from the league as the case was pending at the time.


Marcus Maye and his journey to the Saints

Marcus Maye was drafted by the New York Jets in the second round in 2017. He started all 16 games in his rookie season, getting 79 tackles along with two interceptions and passes defended.

The former Gators safety had the longest interception return of the 2018 season at 104 yards. It is the third longest in NFL history.

Following the 2021 season, the safety signed a three-year, $28.5 million contract to join the Saints. Maye played 10 games for the team last season, getting 60 tackles, two passes defended and a forced fumble.


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