Charges of driving under the influence can have serious consequences for anyone, but DUI charges can impact professional athletes in a unique way. Not only do these individuals face the same criminal consequences as everyone else, they can also face sanctions by their team and the sports league.
Early this morning, D.J. Williams was arrested for drunk driving. Williams is the team captain and a linebacker with the Denver Broncos. The arrest could affect the player’s record on and off the field.
With regards to the criminal charges, the Denver police department has turned the case over to the District Attorney’s office. Williams was arrested around three o’clock this morning after he was pulled over near the intersection of 9th Avenue and Broadway. He is currently reported to be in detox while he awaits the District Attorney’s decision about whether or not to press formal criminal charges.
The impact of this arrest on Williams’ football career has not yet been determined either. This is reportedly the second time Williams has been arrested on suspicion of drunk driving, and other NFL players have been suspended by the league under similar circumstances. Jared Allen was required to sit out four games, and Vincent Jackson missed two games after the NFL suspended them for multiple DUI arrests.
The Broncos have said that they will not take action against Williams; however, they will defer to the NFL’s decision. As of right now, it is unclear whether Williams will play in the Broncos’ game this weekend against Kansas City.
Source: BroncoTalk, “D.J. Williams arrested for DUI, facing likely suspension,” Kyle Montgomery, 12 Nov 2010