Ridley faces potential charges after airport valet dispute

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley has acknowledged taking vehicle keys from a Nashville airport valet, a move that may lead to criminal charges. The incident occurred this past weekend at Nashville International Airport, where Ridley argued with the employee over the release of his truck.

Ridley stated he lacked the valet ticket but presented his identification and a photograph proving ownership. He retrieved the keys directly from the valet's hand. "I took my keys out of his hand," Ridley told reporters via Yahoo Sports. "I didn't have the ticket. Once you don't have the ticket, you show him your ID, you fill out a form."

The valet claimed Ridley broke one of his fingers during the exchange. Ridley said he did not inspect the hand at the scene. "He yelled I broke his finger," Ridley said. "I don't know what happened." An earlier report from A to Z Sports noted that a key or keychain item may have cut the valet's hand in the process.

Ridley said his wife and children were waiting on the upper level while he handled the situation alone at 11 p.m. He provided the registration documents after securing the keys. His wife then joined him in the truck, and they departed the airport.

Titans head coach Robert Saleh described the event as a very minor miscommunication. As of Wednesday, it remains unclear whether formal charges have been filed. The valet intends to press charges, according to a Monday report. Law enforcement had not contacted Ridley as of his Wednesday comments.

The dispute occurred while Ridley was viewed as a trade candidate. The 31-year-old is in his third season with Tennessee and his eighth in the NFL. He has recorded six catches for 91 yards in seven games this season. The Titans currently hold a 1-7 record entering Week 10.

The team is navigating a difficult season under first-year head coach Robert Saleh and first-year offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. Quarterback Cam Ward and the rest of the roster are also in their first year together. The incident adds to the scrutiny surrounding Ridley's tenure in Nashville.