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Former NFL linebacker Terrell Suggs, who was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2011, has been accused of pulling a gun on and threatening to kill a man while waiting in line for Starbucks coffee.
According to reports, the incident unfolded in the drive-thru line of a Scottsdale, Arizona Starbucks around 12:30 p.m. local time on Wednesday, April 10.
TMZ Sports reports that, after an argument with a man at the drive-thru of the Starbucks, Suggs threatened the alleged victim to a fight and said “I’ll kill your a– b—-” before brandishing his gun.
“Officials say Suggs had driven past the ordering speaker and when he put his Range Rover in reverse to remedy the situation, he made contact with another man’s vehicle.”
Although there was apparently no damage to the car, cops say both drivers exited their vehicles and an argument ensued, but the two eventually returned to their rides and made their orders. However, as Suggs was about to leave the area, he allegedly flipped off the man — which authorities say kicked off another verbal argument.” [via TMZ Sports]
It was during the second wave of arguing that Suggs allegedly flashed his firearm. Officials specify that the handgun was not pointed at the alleged victim but rather just shown to him.
“According to the docs, the man swore at Suggs, before the ex-NFL superstar challenged him to a fight. The former Baltimore Ravens pass rusher allegedly then called the man a ‘p—- a– cracker,’ before adding, ‘I’ll kill your a– b—-‘”
As Suggs then pulled out to leave, officials say he flashed a black handgun in his left hand outside of his driver’s side window.
Suggs, 41 years old, released a statement mere hours after the alleged incident, saying that he felt his life was in danger.
“I was getting coffee; I was not looking for any trouble. When the man in the other vehicle escalated the situation, I feared for my safety not knowing what his intentions were. Throughout the incident, I was the one who felt in danger, while fearing I would be followed home and for the safety of my family nearby at my residence.” Suggs told TMZ Sports.
Suggs was drafted out of Arizona State University with the 10th overall pick in the 2003 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens.
He’d then spend 15 seasons in the National Football League with the Ravens, winning two Super Bowls, before ultimately closing out his career in 2019 with the Arizona Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs.
Suggs has 139 career sacks, which puts him 8th on the all-time NFL sack leaders list.