Fairley was arrested for the second time in less than two months. (US PRESSWIRE) |
Lions 2011 first-round pick Nick Fairley was arrested early Sunday morning in Alabama for driving under the influence and attempting to elude police, according to a report from Fox10TV.com. Additionally, Alabama State troopers also ticketed the former Auburn star for reckless driving, no proof of insurance, and having an open container in his automobile.
Fox10TV.com reports that Fairley posted $1,750 bond and was released shortly after 9 AM Sunday.
The Lions released a statement saying that "We are aware of the reports and are in the process of gathering more information."
It's the second run-in with authorities in less than two months for Fairley. In April, he was arrested on marijuana possession charges. It's also a situation with which the Lions are very familiar. In addition to Fairley, 2011 draft-classmates Mikel Leshoure and Johnny Culbreath were also arrested on marijuana-related charges this offseason.
In April, leading up to the NFL Draft, Lions general manager Martin Mayhew admitted that the team wouldn't remove a talented player from their board solely because of off-field concerns.
"The league has really changed over the years," Mayhew said during a pre-draft press conference. "If you go back 10, 15 years ago, and a guy had a positive test, that was a big deal. That was something to be very concerned about. It still is, but not at the level it was years ago. There are certain things we want to hear from guys. There are certain things we don't want to hear from guys. It doesn't help us to tell you (media) what those things are.
Another arrest for Fairley. (Fox10TV.com) |
It's a philosophy embraced by the Bengals in recent years and the results have been mixed. While Cincinnati made the playoffs three times since Marvin Lewis was hired as head coach in 2003, the organization also leads the league in player arrests going back to 2000.
Mayhew said last month that he had spoken with Fairley and Leshoure following their arrests and admitted that "It's very frustrating but we had a good talk about it. The league will handle it in terms of discipline for those guys, but I think they understand what the expectation is going forward."
It appears Mayhew needs to have another sit-down with Fairley. And if commissioner Roger Goodell determines that Fairley has violated the league's personal conduct policy and suspends him, there will be plenty of time for that talk.
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