It was reported earlier this week that an NFL player for the Dallas Cowboys was arrested for allegedly driving drunk. Just over a month ago, Cowboys player Josh Brent was accused of driving drunk and causing a car accident that resulted in the death of a fellow teammate.
As a result of the alleged drunk driving crash that killed a player last month, decision-makers behind the professional football team stated that they were considering requiring all players for the Cowboys to have ignition interlock devices installed in their vehicles.
After this week’s alleged drunk driving arrest involving nose tackle Jay Ratliff, the Cowboys may find more reason to make sure all players’ vehicles are equipped with the devices, which prevent vehicles from starting when too much alcohol is detected on a driver’s breath.
According to reports, Ratliff was arrested on Tuesday in Texas after he was involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler. No one was injured in the crash, but after investigating the collision, police suspected that the NFL player had been driving under the influence of alcohol before crashing into the tractor-trailer.
Police said that they asked Ratliff to take a breath test in order to determine whether he was indeed intoxicated or not. However, the NFL player refused the breath test and he was arrested. In Georgia, refusing a breath test could result in a 12-month driver’s license suspension. However, refusing to take a breath test could also make it more difficult for prosecutors to prove that a driver was indeed intoxicated at the time of a DUI arrest.
After Ratliff refused the breath test, though, police obtained a warrant to take a blood test. The results of the blood test will not be known for several days.
The NFL player now faces serious consequences for the DUI arrest. If the blood test reveals that he did have alcohol in his system, he could also be fined or suspended by the NFL.
Source: Around the League, “Jay Ratliff arrested on drunk-driving charge in Texas,” Dan Hanzus, Jan. 22, 2013
- Our Athens, Georgia, firm provides counsel to those who have been charged with drunk driving and other alcohol-related offenses. To learn more about our firm and practice, please visit our firm’s page on defending DUI charges in Georgia.