Ex-NFL star Braylon Edwards says he wanted to act instead of record video in YMCA incident

Arrest made in attack on elderly man

Ex-NFL star Braylon Edwards on intervening in YMCA attack

Former NFL wide receiver Braylon Edwards appears on OutKick's "Don't @ Me with Dan Dakich" to talk about his heroic efforts.

Braylon Edwards, the former NFL star wide receiver who was hailed as a hero for intervening as an elderly man was attacked at a Michigan YMCA  this month, said Monday he wanted to act instead of just recording a video for social media.

Edwards appeared on OutKick’s "Don’t @ Me with Dan Dakich" and explained he wanted to do something other than take a video of the incident.

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Braylon Edwards vs Bills

Braylon Edwards of the New York Jets is shown during a game against the Buffalo Bills, Dec. 30, 2012, in Orchard Park, New York. (Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)

"We live in this era now where everybody’s recording, everybody’s watching the situation take place, and it really gets on my nerves. … So, to get to be in that situation where I had the chance to act and [that] I could be [doing] exactly what I said I want other people to do, I think that also played into it," he told Dakich.

"The people that watch are a lot of [times] worse than the people that [are] actually doing whatever action it is because you have an obligation or chance to help a situation maybe not even be as bad of a situation as it turns into. … Given the opportunity, I wasn’t going to watch."

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Braylon Edwards with 49ers

Braylon Edwards of the San Francisco 49ers looks on from the sidelines during a game against the Seattle Seahawks at Candlestick Park in San Francisco on Sept. 11, 2011. (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Malik Ali Smith, 20, was charged with assault with intent to murder in the melee involving an 80-year-old man, according to arrest records. 

The charge carries a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted, Fox 2 Detroit reported.

Smith allegedly fled the YMCA, but police arrested him nearby. They made note of the Good Samaritan in Edwards.

Malik Ali Smith booking photo

Malik Ali Smith was charged in an assault at a Michigan YMCA. (Oakland County Sheriff's Office)

"This was a vicious, senseless attack," Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said last week, per Fox 2 Detroit. "I commend the witness who intervened, and we will seek justice for this victim."

Fox News’ Scott Thompson contributed to this report.

Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

Authored by Ryan Gaydos via FoxNews March 11th 2024