LeSean McCoy's Friend -- Ex-NFL Player Declares Innocence In Bar Fight

A former NFL player who's been named a suspect in the LeSean McCoy bar fight says he's not guilty -- despite allegations he took part in a brawl that left 2 off-duty cops badly injured.

TMZ Sports received a brief but strong statement from Curtis Brinkley saying simply, "I am innocent."

Brinkley was named a suspect by Philadelphia PD -- along with 3 other men including McCoy -- who are alleged to have participated in the brutal Sunday morning brawl.

Brinkley, a Philly native, is a former NFL running back who played with the Chargers from 2009 to 2012

As for McCoy ... he broke his silence Wednesday.