Jets WR Braylon Edwards Arrested for DUI
New York Jets wide receiver Braylon Edwards is back in the headlines, though not for the reasons that one would hope for. First his coach blasted him for getting what he called a "selfish" play, when he taunted an opponent after scoring a touchdown. Then, Tuesday, Edwards was pulled over at 5:15 a.m. with four people in his car, in Manhattan for having excessively tinted windows on his SUV. Police officers smelled alcohol and suspected that Edwards was drunk, according to Paul Browne of the NYPD.
Edwards took a breath test from the officer and then took another at a police station. His blood alcohol came back at twice the legal limit, which got Braylon Edwards arrested.
DUIs from superstar athletes are always a tough mistake for coaches and fans to accept. Why would a person who makes six million dollars a year drive drunk? And isn't there someone that could pick them up?
Actually, at least in the Jets case, there is. They have a program called the Player Protect program which provides 24-hour driving service for professional athletes. They can call at any time and receive a ride in a luxury SUV or limo. They also provide security.
Edwards faces a potential suspension from the NFL, under the NFL's substance-abuse policy. However any possible suspension would not occur until after review, it is not automatic. Edwards attorney, Peter Frankel, did not offer a comment, besides saying "It's too early in the process to say anything at this point," ESPN reports. Braylon Edwards pleaded no contest to an incident outside a Cleveland nightclub in October 2009 when he punched an acquaintance of LeBron James.
Drunk driving is a serious offense that overshadow your career for years to come. Avoid putting yourself in compromising situations as a first step. If you wind up in a compromising situation nevertheless, seek legal counsel as soon as possible.
Related Resources:
- New 2010 California DUI Laws Focus on Ignition Interlock Device (FindLaw Knowledge Base)
- State DUI Laws (FindLaw)
- CA First Time DUI Offenders Get Interlock Devices (FindLaw's Blotter)