By Breanna Jacobs
The NFL lock-out has brought the world of professional football to a slow, but staggering, halt. It appears that many NFL players will choose to wait this volatile time out, hoping for a new CBA to be reached. However, another large group of players have decided to switch things up. While some players, such as Bengals receiver Chad Ochocinco, decided to dip their toes into the waters of other professional sports (soccer in Ochocinco’s case), another group of players have decided to spend their time in a completely different fashion.
It is not uncommon to hear of arrests coming out of the NFL. In fact, some of the most famous lawbreakers were products of the NFL. The arrested, such as Plaxico Burress and Michael Vick, are an elite group, making up a small percentage of the 1,600 plus players in the National Football League. Since the lock-out began in March, it seems that more and more NFL players are spending their downtime in the back of a police car. And while perhaps these men feel that an arrest is the first step to ultimate NFL redemption (hello, Michael Vick), it can only be imagined that they will face some hard times when, and if, the 2011 season begins.
That being said, here is a look at some of the most curious arrests and law violations that have occurred during the lock-out. And make sure you’re buckled in, because it’s going to be a bumpy ride.
1. March 12, 2011 – Chris Cook
The Vikings CB was arrested on a handgun accusation. Cook apparently pulled a gun on a neighbor when an argument got a little too intense for him to handle. Cook never fired the gun, but his hasty actions landed him in handcuffs.
2. March 19, 2011 – Bryan McCann
McCann was arrested at 3 AM on a Saturday morning for, you guessed it, public intoxication. The Dallas Cowboys CB denied that he was drunk and stated that he did not “pose a danger” to anyone. Maybe the police mistook McCann’s slight buzz for a more serious issue…
3. March 22, 2011 – Dez Bryant
Bryant received a criminal trespass warning at North Park Mall. The Dallas Cowboys receiver got himself in a pickle when it was determined that he was wearing his pants too low, breaking the policy of the mall. Naturally, Bryant began throwing profanities all around, leading some off-duty Dallas police officers to issue him a warning. Next time, pull up your pants, Dez.
4. March 25, 2011 – Johnny Jolly
Jolly, a Superbowl Champion, was arrested in Houston, Texas. Police pulled Jolly over, and discovered that the Green Bay Packers DE had a bottle of codeine in his car. Jolly was arrested for possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. The defensive end pleaded guilty to the charge on April 21 and was sentenced to 5 years of probation and 90 days in a drug treatment center. This was a repeat offense for Jolly.
5. March 25, 2011 – Jason Peters
The Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle was arrested for loud music and disturbing the peace. While not as entertaining as Dez Bryant’s arrest, this is certainly a close second. There can only be one kind of music that Peters was playing when he got arrested: smooth jazz.
6. April 12, 2011 – Kenny Britt
Britt, a receiver with the Tennessee Titans, was arrested on four different charges: eluding an officer, lying to an officer, hindering apprehension, and obstructing governmental function. Britt tried to out-drive the police, and when he was pulled over, Britt and his passenger attempted to casually walk away from the scene. Britt’s passenger was charged with marijuana possession, which just proves that Britt is excellent at picking friends that will keep him out of trouble.
7. April 26, 2011 – Albert Haynesworth
While the Washington Redskins defensive tackle was not arrested, Haynesworth was charged with misdemeanor sexual abuse. This charge stems from an incident on February 13 in which Haynesworth put his credit card down a waitress’s shirt and attempted to fondle one of her breasts. Haynesworth pleaded not guilty to the charge on May 10 and will go to court on July 11. Haynesworth is a true ladies man. Men, take note: the best way to let a woman know you’re rich is to shove your credit card down her shirt. Or, you could just tell her that you’re rich. Use your best judgment.
Well, I suppose all these knuckleheads breaking the law is just their way of being role models, because, as Ray Lewis said, crime will increase if there is a lockout. Just think of the players above as going the extra mile for their fans. I guess.
That’s definitely one way to look at it.
It seems like these guys just have way too much time on their hands.
Although, I suppose these same things could be happening if there wasn’t a lock-out, so maybe this weird increase in arrests is just a crazy coincidence.