Braylon Edwards Explores Preventing Assault on 80-Year-Old Man at YMCA
In a recent episode of the Ermanni and Edwards show on Woodward Sports, Braylon Edwards, renowned for his time at Michigan, shared insights into his involvement in thwarting an assault on an elderly individual at the Farmington Hills YMCA. The incident transpired last Friday, where Edwards, in collaboration with Ryan Ermanni, engages in discussions on Detroit sports topics every weekday from 2-4.
As reported by FOX 2 (WJBK), Braylon Edwards is being hailed as a hero for his prompt response during the attack on the 80-year-old man. The alleged perpetrator, 20-year-old Malik Ali Smith, faces charges of assault with intent to murder, a crime that could lead to a life sentence upon conviction, stemming from the altercation in the locker room.
The elderly victim is currently in critical condition at the hospital. Edwards recounted hearing a confrontation that swiftly escalated into violence, compelling him to intervene and prevent further harm.
In the midst of the Ermanni and Edwards show, Edwards expressed his initial astonishment at the victim’s age, initially mistaking him for a much younger individual. Realizing the severity of the situation, he bravely stepped in to shield the elderly man from additional harm.
Edwards witnessed the suspect forcefully slamming the elderly man’s head against a counter and promptly intervened, averting a potentially fatal outcome. Despite the suspect’s attempt to escape, Edwards managed to subdue him until authorities arrived, ensuring the victim’s safety.
Upon reflection, Edwards shared the emotional impact of learning from Detective Jacobs that his intervention had saved the victim’s life. He accepted the accolades with humility and stressed the significance of taking decisive action in critical moments rather than remaining passive bystanders.
Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald denounced the assault as a heinous and irrational act while lauding Edwards for his valiant intervention. Despite his typically reserved demeanor, Edwards expressed appreciation for the overwhelming support he received in the aftermath of the incident.
Amid the outpouring of support from his football colleagues, Edwards underscored the importance of proactive intervention over passive observation, criticizing the prevalent tendency to prioritize filming over aiding in emergencies.
Braylon Edwards’ resolute actions serve as a poignant reminder of the crucial role immediate intervention plays in crisis situations, underscoring the value of stepping up to avert harm rather than being mere onlookers.
Braylon Edwards, inset: suspect Malik Ali Smith