Span of NFL DUIs enrages former player
Marshawn Lynch is one of many NFL players arrested for a DUI this offseason. (Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE)
How many times can NFL players get caught driving drunk in one month? So far in July, four players have been arrested for drunk driving, and another was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence of drugs, and there are still nine days left in the month.
On July 2, Buccaneers cornerback Eric Wright became the first NFL player this month to be arrested for driving drunk. St. Louis Rams defensive end Robert Quinn was charged with drunk driving after being involved in a one-car accident on July 10. Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch was arrested on July 14 and charged on July 18 with two counts of drunk driving. On July 19, Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Donald Washington was arrested for possession of marijuana, driving under the influence of drugs and speeding. The following day, Tennessee Titans wide receiver Kenny Britt became the latest NFL player to be arrested for a DUI.
The string of arrests come just one month after commissioner Roger Goodell sent a memo to all NFL club personnel highlighting the number of legal incidents involving drugs and alcohols this offseason and reminding players of their obligation to act in accordance with the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy. His memo, however, had no mention of any possible punishments for infractions related to drugs and alcohol.
Since the Super Bowl, 29 NFL players have been involved in police incidents, an average of almost six incidents per month and at least one per week.
The high number of drunk driving incidents has at least one NFL personality upset. Recently retired running back Derrick Ward (@DerrickWard32) took to Twitter on Saturday to vent his frustrations.
“Alright NFL players!!! Its absolutely E-N-O-U-G-H!!! Drinking and Driving? How dumb can u be? Its absolutely stupid and your making the good Guys that actually do right in the NFL look bad. How easy is it to call a cab to get a ride home? So what? Leave your car get it in the am!? [sic]” Ward tweeted as part of a multi-Tweet rant.
“Numerous arrest for DWI in the past several weeks? How many has it been this week 4? Absolutely ridiculous your not only putting yourself In danger but your putting other innocent people in danger that don’t deserve your stupidity. Open your eyes and do the right thing. I know What its like to get go out get drunk and debate on weather to drive home or not. Call a taxi! So what if u spend some money to take one or U get a ticket on your car in the am when u go bac 2 get it At least u won’t have to pay bail and then lawyer fees and then miss game checks.
“There’s no excuse to drive drunk! NONE! If all else fails WALK! NFL players are world class athletes Walking should be nothing! [sic]” Ward concluded.
It remains to be seen what punishment, if any, the NFL will levy on the players involved in police incidents this offseason, but it is clear that the issues shows no signs of slowing down.
