Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman is currently facing multiple weapons violations following a traffic stop in Inglewood on Friday evening, law enforcement confirmed. According to a statement by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department provided to NBC Los Angeles, the arrest occurred around 9:30 p.m. but did not detail the specific nature of the traffic violation that led to the stop. The incident is now raising questions and concerns within the NFL community and beyond.
The sheriff's department later revealed that officers found five firearms, including two assault-style rifles, in Perryman's vehicle. This development was noted in a report by ABC7, highlighting the severity of the charge as the rifles were non-compliant with California law. Perryman, 32, was taken into custody and is being held without bail pending a court appearance on Tuesday.
The Chargers organization is reported to be gathering more information regarding the incident, as noted in their own statement following Perryman's arrest. However, the team has yet to make any further announcements or decisions public.
Perryman's agent opted to swiftly address the issue, providing an official statement to TMZ, which said, "Denzel is a respected veteran in the NFL and a dedicated father, teammate, and professional. While we do not take this situation lightly, we remain confident that the matter will be resolved fairly and in accordance with the law." This recent legal trouble is not Perryman's first brush with controversy; he previously faced a suspension in 2023 for violating NFL player safety rules.
As of now, Perryman's legal representation has not publicly released any additional comments regarding his arrest or the specifics of the weapons charges. The linebacker, whose career has included a sequence of team transfers since his draft in 2015, had most recently returned to the Chargers in 2024 after stints with other teams. Fans and sports commentators will likely keep a close watch on how this case unfolds and what impact it may have on Perryman's future in the NFL.
