With the NFL minicamp sessions winding down and the mandatory training camps on the horizon, players who have trouble with the law jeopardize their playing time and even their careers. Last week saw a rash of arrests for DUI and other offenses. Here’s what we have for the Week of June 14th.
On Wednesday night, J.J. Arrington, a running back for the Arizona Cardinals, was arrested with four other people after a fight in a Rocky Mountain, North Carolina, nightclub. Arrington was charged with disorderly conduct. Later the court held him for 24 hours for contempt of court. In the 2005 NFL Draft, the running back was chosen by the Cardinals in the second round.
Tennessee Titans’ defensive end Jevon Kearse was arrested for DUI early Sunday morning. Kearse, who was driving on the Vanderbilt campus, was observed by Vandy police weaving across the road. Police reported that Kearse, who was released by the Philadelphia Eagles after poorly performing in 2007, had slurred speech and red watery eyes. He took a field sobriety test but refused the breathalyzer. Kearse’s court date is set for July 14. Kearse has played nine years in the NFL, spending his first five seasons with the Tennessee Titans and his last four with the Eagles. He recently signed again with the Titans.
Free agents Shane Olivea and Mike Anderson will be free for quite some time. Olivea, a tackle, and Anderson, a running back, have both been suspended for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.
Anderson will miss a year in the NFL. When he was with the Denver Broncos, Anderson, a seven-year vet, was suspended for four games for the same violation. For the past few seasons, he’s played for the Ravens. Anderson was released by the Baltimore Ravens after the 2007 season.
Olivea, who was let go by the San Diego Chargers at the end of this past season, is a five-year veteran. This is his first offense. His suspension will last four games.
