| Derrick Ward is unimpressed with NFL players' inability to call a cab after drinking. (CBSNews.com/TMZ/Patch.com) |
Derrick Ward may no longer be in his 20s, or on an active NFL roster, but the former seventh-round pick and Super Bowl champion is nonetheless well positioned to speak with some authority about the recent rash of arrests to NFL players, particularly those foolish enough to get behind the wheel after drinking.
In the last two weeks, we've learned of DUI-related arrests to Titans wide receiver Kenny Britt, Rams defensive lineman Robert Quinn, Chiefs defensive back Donald <span data-shortcode=" data-canon="Donald Washington" data-type="SPORTS_OBJECT_PLAYER" id="shortcode0"> and Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch. (And then there's Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant, who was charged with pushing his mother, and defensive lineman Elvis Dumervil, who was booked for aggravated assault). This doesn't even include Jaguars first-rounder Justin Blackmon, who was arrested for DUI in June.
Ward, who last played for the Texans in 2011, is fed up with the short-sighted stupidity. He took to Twitter on Saturday to unload on those players getting behind the wheel after a few too many adult beverages (or in Washington's case, drugs). BlackSportsOnline.com documents Ward's Twitter play-by-play, but here's the gist: If you can't call a cab after a night out you're an idiot.
"Stop being so dumb!" Ward wrote. "Yes that's right dumb! I'm sitting here retired enjoyed a great career now all I want to do is become a fan and I see... numerous arrest for DWI in the past several weeks? How many has it been this week 4? Absolutely ridiculous your not only putting yourself... in danger but your [sic] putting other innocent people in danger that don't deserve your stupidity. Open your eyes and do the right thing."
And Ward was just getting warmed up.
"I know what its like to get go out get drunk and debate on weather [sic] to drive home or not. Call a taxi! So what if u spend some money to take one or u get a ticket on your car in the am when u go back 2 get it. At least u won't have to pay bail and then lawyer fees and then miss game checks."
Ten tweets later, Ward delivered one last word of advice that was as funny as it was instructive.
There's no excuse to drive drunk! NONE! If all else fails WALK! NFL players are world class athletes Walking should be nothing!
— Derrick Ward (@DerrickWard32) July 21, 2012
The man makes a great point. Perhaps NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell should give Ward a job on his enforcement squad. We're thinking Terry Tate-waiting-outside-the-club-to-level-a-fool type enforcement (warning: there's some NSFW language in the Tate link). The league could even have a video crew document it all and upload it to its website for everyone to view. If Goodell ruling with an iron fist isn't working, try a little shame deterrence.
For more NFL news, rumors and analysis, follow @EyeOnNFL on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and subscribe to our Pick-6 Podcast and NFL newsletter. You can follow Ryan Wilson on Twitter here: @ryanwilson_07.