Sergio Brown's video leaves internet concerned as ex-NFL player fights Mexican cops during arrest
TULUM, MEXICO: A recently surfaced video reveals the involvement of former NFL standout Sergio Brown in a physical altercation with Mexican immigration officers.
They were attempting to facilitate his extradition to the United States to answer charges linked to the alleged murder of his mother, according to Daily Mail.
The seriousness of the allegations aside, what has sparked online discourse extends beyond the criminal charges themselves. Rather, it centers on the evident signs of distress and agitation displayed by the former professional athlete throughout the in-flight altercation.
🚨MISSING FORMER NFL PLAYER FOUND #sergiobrown CAUGHT #breakingnews #breakingnews #found #airplanefights 🎉#sergiobrownupdate pic.twitter.com/513l3QibyG
— Starling Zain (@StarlingZain) October 13, 2023
In-flight brawl caught on camera
A video has come to light, showcasing the former NFL star, Brown, being involved in a physical altercation with Mexican law enforcement officers aboard an aircraft.
This incident occurred while they were attempting to bring him back to the United States to face charges related to the alleged killing of his 73-year-old mother, Myrtle Jean Simmons-Brown.
Brown, who had eluded law enforcement for almost a month, was captured while trying to return to the country.
In-Flight brawl unfolds
The video, obtained by CBS8, shows Brown involved in a scuffle with immigration officers aboard a flight from Mexico City. In the video, Brown can be heard shouting, "They're kidnapping me again, I'm from Chicago. I should not be going to Tijuana."
In the clip, two Mexican immigration officers are seen attempting to restrain the former NFL defensive player. Brown shoves one of the officers into the aisle and attempts to strike him, while the officer manages to deflect the blows.
Brown grips the officer's uniform near his neck and pleads, "Let me go." He reaches out to fellow passengers, exclaiming, "This is kidnapping."
A doctor on the flight attempts to calm Brown by offering him a glass of water, but a passenger, identified as a hostage negotiator, intervenes, urging against it. The rest of the video captures Brown ranting and gesticulating wildly as officers struggle to restrain him.
The incident, documented by fellow passenger Michelle Williams, reportedly lasted an hour and a half before Brown was removed from the plane.
Concerns over Brown's mental state and possible CTE link
As the video of Brown's in-flight altercation went viral on social media, many expressed concern over his visibly distraught state.
Speculations arose regarding whether Brown might be suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a neurodegenerative brain disease commonly associated with NFL players.
According to a recent autopsy study published in US News, over 90% of former NFL players exhibited signs of CTE.
Commenting on the video, one user said, "He is definitely far from okay. It is easy to see his level of agitation and aggression. I imagine that this is what Myrtle saw right before she died."
Another user remarked, "This is very sad but a reality for so many former NFL players suffering from CTE."
He is definitely far from okay. It is easy to see his level of agitation and aggression. I imagine that this is what Myrtle saw right before she died. 💔 #sergiobrown https://t.co/c7xGG1sjeV
— Rose (@901Lulu) October 13, 2023
This is very sad but a reality for so many former NFL players suffering from CTE
— ARP (@amandarp2) October 13, 2023
A third user emphasized the seriousness of CTE, stating, "CTE is real. I hope this guy gets the help that he needs."
Another person expressed concern about Brown's well-being, saying, "This is sad. It’s difficult to watch. I hope he gets help. Putting him behind bars with no mental support is only going to make it worse. If it turns out this was solely drug-related, that’s another story, but my feeling at this point is there are other things at play." As a fifth user aptly noted, "CTE hitting hard."
CTE is real. I hope this guy gets the help that he needs.
— Carlos Gil (@carlosgil83) October 14, 2023
This is sad. It’s difficult to watch. I hope he gets help. Putting him behind bars with no mental support is only going to make it worse. If it turns out this was solely drug related, that’s another story, but my feeling at this point is there are other things at play.
— BoyMomX2 (@blacklablover33) October 13, 2023
In this situation, Brown, who previously played for four professional teams during his six-year NFL career, faces charges of first-degree murder, carrying a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Brown, originally from Maywood, Illinois, attended local high school and later Notre Dame University before embarking on his NFL journey with the New England Patriots in 2010.
His professional career also included stints with the Indianapolis Colts, Buffalo Bills, and Jacksonville Jaguars before retiring from the NFL in 2016.
In response to Brown's apprehension, Ms Brown's family released a statement, saying they were "heartened by the news that Sergio Brown has been apprehended and returned to the United States unharmed," as reported by NBC News.