Rex Ryan appeared on ESPN’s “Sunday NFL Countdown” ahead of the Week 10 games, just days after being arrested in connection with an alleged hit-and-run in Nashville. He discussed football as usual but did not address the incident or his arrest.
ESPN did not explain why the former New York Jets and Buffalo Bills coach was allowed to appear. A source at the network said the decision followed a review of several factors, including information gathered and conversations held after ESPN learned about the incident. The source added that the situation was ongoing and new information could lead the network to reconsider.
Police say Ryan allegedly struck Michael Holland and his wife shortly before midnight on Nov. 5 as they crossed Broadway, a busy street in Nashville. Holland later said Ryan’s pickup truck nearly killed them.
“If we had been six inches further out, I’d be in a hospital right now and so would my wife,” Holland said.
Holland also claimed Ryan turned without regard for the pedestrians, running over both of his feet and one of his wife’s feet, and hitting her leg. He said he photographed the injuries. According to Holland, Ryan initially drove away, but the couple caught up with him at a traffic light. Holland said Ryan got out, argued with them, then returned to his vehicle and left.
Ryan, 63, turned himself in and was arrested Wednesday on six misdemeanor charges, according to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. Police said the pedestrians had a walk signal when Ryan turned from 4th Avenue and struck them. They sustained minor injuries.
Ryan faces two counts of leaving the scene of an accident, two counts of failing to provide information or render aid, and two counts of failing to obey a traffic-control signal.
