Broncos receiver Cody Latimer said he was merely trying to play peacekeeper during a disagreement between his uncle and a Dayton, Ohio strip club bouncer back on Feb. 20.
The situation escalated into a brawl with Latimer getting sprayed and the uncle getting decked.
In a TMZ video released Sunday morning, Latimer is seen extending his arm and placing his left hand on the bouncer’s right shoulder. Latimer’s hand irritated the bouncer, who knocked it away. Latimer continued to put his hand on the bouncer’s shoulder and the bouncer continued to knock it away – until Latimer became irritated and slapped the bouncer in the face.
The bouncer then threw a punch at Latimer but missed. The bouncer took out an item and sprayed Latimer in the face with a substance. TMZ reported it as pepper spray. Latimer said it was mace.
Latimer’s uncle then stepped in and after a couple wild punches were thrown by both the uncle and the bouncer, one punch by the bouncer knocked the uncle down.
TMZ said the incident occurred outside the Diamond Cabaret strip club in Ohio and that the argument stemmed from Latimer’s party not following the club’s dress code.
“It was initially a disagreement (between my uncle and the bouncer) and I was trying to break it up,’’ Latimer told 9NEWS on Sunday morning. “It happened six months ago. It was February 20. It had nothing to do with a dress code. There’s not much to say about it. There weren’t any cops called. I didn’t want trouble so we got out. That’s it. It happened six months ago.’’
Given more time to reflect, Latimer took to social media with a lengthier and more detailed statement:
— Cody Latimer (@CodyLatimer14) July 16, 2017
Latimer was the Broncos’ second-round draft pick in 2014. Although he has been a standout “gunner” on special teams, Latimer has just 16 catches for 158 yards with one touchdown catch in three seasons.
He will compete for the Broncos’ No. 3 receiver position when training camp opens July 27.
The Broncos said in a statement: “We are aware of the matter from several months ago involving Cody Latimer, and it has been discussed with him.’’
