Nigel Bradham: 'Unfortunate' that arrest is first impression as Eagle

PHILADELPHIA -- Linebacker Nigel Bradham and wide receiver Nelson Agholor, the two Philadelphia Eagles players involved in off-field trouble over the past six weeks, faced the media Thursday after taking part in the first full-team practice of training camp.

Bradham said he couldn't discuss his arrest in Miami last week, because the case is still under investigation.

"It's a lot of negative attention, obviously, and that's something that obviously was going to happen," he said. "That's something I can't control. I've got to continue to stay focused on football."

Bradham, 26, was charged with aggravated battery after a South Beach hotel employee accused Bradham of striking him.

"I am confident my name will be cleared," Bradham said.

Bradham said he regretted that the arrest was the first impression he made on Eagles fans after signing with the team as a free agent in March.

"You don't want that to be part of your legacy at any time throughout your career," Bradham said. "It's my first year here. I'm just getting started. I definitely don't want to start out with that being out there. It's unfortunate for me that I didn't get to play first and at least let them see me play and get an opinion."

Agholor, the Eagles' first-round draft pick in 2015, was accused of sexual assault by a dancer at a South Philadelphia strip club. The alleged incident happened in June, right after the last practice of the Eagles' minicamp. After investigations by Philadelphia police and the district attorney's office, the DA decided not to file charges in the case.

"No matter what was going on, if I make the right decision, then I wouldn't be there," Agholor said. "There were points where I thought the opportunity that was given to me, to play for this organization and to have the life I have, could have been taken from me."

Agholor declined to discuss what happened at the club, or to say whether he'd been there before the day in question.

"I fell short of my mission," Agholor said. "I should have done a better job. From here on out, I have an obligation to do the right thing and to be the right person for this organization.

"At first, I was in shock. But I had to realize that I put myself in this position. All I can do is grow, find different ways to get closer to my family, get closer to the people that have my back. I just continued to train, stay with my family and get myself ready."