The 2015 NFL Criminals Thread

[Prime Time]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/03/18/ravens-running-back-bernard-pierce-arrested-for-dui/

Ravens running back Bernard Pierce arrested for DUI
Posted by Darin Gantt on March 18, 2015

Getty Images

The Ravens seemingly can’t avoid bad press when it comes to their running backs.

According to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun, Ravens running back Bernard Pierce was arrested this morning on DUI charges.

The Ravens have already had a chance to respond, giving the usual response teams give in such matters.

“We are aware of the situation and learning more about it,” a team spokesman said. “We take these matters seriously.”

If convicted, Pierce would face a suspension under the league’s new drug policy.

So while it’s not to the level of Ray Rice last offseason, it’s not what the Ravens were hoping for this morning.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.co...-players-in-legal-trouble-pierce-may-be-next/

Ravens cut last two players in legal trouble, Pierce may be next
Posted by Michael David Smith on March 18, 2015

After facing widespread criticism for not doing enough when Ray Rice was arrested for domestic violence last year, the Ravens have been proactive about dealing with players’ off-field problems this year. Which is bad news for Bernard Pierce.

In January, the Ravens announced that they would cut Terrence Cody even before news broke that Cody was facing legal issues including animal cruelty, illegally possessing an alligator and possession of marijuana. Early this month, the Ravens announced that they would cut Victor Hampton less than 24 hours after news broke that he had been arrested for driving while intoxicated.

Now Pierce has been arrested for driving under the influence. Will the Ravens cut him next?

There’s a good chance that they will. First, the Ravens want to maintain their reputation for taking off-field legal issues seriously. If they don’t cut Pierce, they can’t keep pretending they’re tough on players who get into trouble off the field. Second (and more importantly), Pierce isn’t a very good player. Last year he averaged 3.9 yards a carry while Justin Forsett was averaging 5.4 yards a carry and Lorenzo Taliaferro was averaging 4.3 yards a carry. Forsett is the unquestioned starter, and Taliaferro is more than capable of picking up the slack if Pierce goes.

What could save Pierce is that he’s only 23 years old and has a cap hit of less than $800,000 this season. A young and cheap player is an asset teams don’t easily part with.

But if the Ravens want to show that they’re serious about holding players to high standards off the field, parting with Pierce is exactly what they’ll do.

 

[Prime Time]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/03/18/ravens-cut-bernard-pierce-after-dui/

Ravens cut Bernard Pierce after DUI
Posted by Michael David Smith on March 18, 2015

Hours after he was arrested for driving under the influence, Bernard Pierce has been cut by the Ravens.

The Ravens released a brief statement this afternoon confirming that they have released Pierce, a running back who has played his entire three-year career in Baltimore.

The move comes as no surprise, as the Ravens have had an unwritten policy of cutting players who get into off-field trouble. Two other players who found themselves in legal trouble this offseason, Terrence Cody and Victor Hampton, were both promptly cut.

After taking widespread criticism last year for their response to the Ray Rice domestic violence arrest, the Ravens have tried to position themselves as a team that doesn’t tolerate players getting into legal trouble. Cody and Hampton both found that out the hard way, and now so has Pierce.

The real test, however, will come when or if a star player gets arrested. Cody, Hampton and Pierce are all players the Ravens can live without. If a player who’s better on the field gets into trouble off the field, the Ravens may not be so quick to sever ties.

 

[Prime Time]

I wonder if the average boss would give his employees a full 30- day warning to clean up their systems before a drug test?

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/03/19/nflpa-gives-players-30-day-marijuana-warning/

NFLPA gives players 30-day marijuana warning
Posted by Mike Florio on March 19, 2015

Getty Images

Yes, the annual window for the annual random test of NFL players for recreational drugs opens on 4/20. A full 32 days before the first day on which a player can be asked to provide a urine sample that will be tested for certain banned substances that don’t enhance performance, the NFLPA has issued a reminder to all players of the looming testing period.

It’s a smart move by the union. With marijuana metabolites staying in a player’s system for up to 30 days, players need to know more than 30 days before they may be tested that the time has come to quit the turkey bags cold turkey.

During the “War on Drugs” of the 1980s, the NFLPA first agreed to allow players to be tested for marijuana and other illegal substances. Whether the NFL or any employer should care what an employee does on his own time during the offseason is a different question.

We (or at least I) believe the NFL shouldn’t care if a player is smoking marijuana or taking other illegal substances unless and until they are arrested for possession or some other related violation. Until then, it’s not for the NFL or anyone other than the authorities to exert authority over the things a player chooses to do in the privacy of his own home.

The problem has become more complicated in recent years, with the legalization of marijuana in Colorado and Washington, two of the 22 states where the NFL does business. At some point, the NFL will be forced to face the question of whether it should still prohibit marijuana use by its players.

Until then, players who aren’t in the substance-abuse program are free to smoke marijuana from the time they take their annual test until 30 days or so before the next April 20, when their next annual test can first happen.

Players who are smart and/or who don’t have an addiction to marijuana can easily navigate that limitation. Still, it’s fair to ask whether, as to marijuana, the limitation should even exist.
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Apparently one team's drunk is another team's treasure.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/03/19/bernard-pierce-claimed-off-waivers-by-jaguars/

Bernard Pierce claimed off waivers by Jaguars
Posted by Josh Alper on March 19, 2015

AP

The Ravens didn’t hesitate to waive running back Bernard Pierce after he was arrested on DUI charges this week.

The Jaguars didn’t hesitate to add Pierce to their roster. According to multiple reports, Jacksonville made a successful waiver claim on Pierce Thursday.

Pierce joins Denard Robinson and Toby Gerhart at tailback for the Jaguars. Robinson led the team with 526 rushing yards last season while Gerhart disappointed in his first year with the team. Pierce wasn’t any more impressive with the Ravens, rushing for 3.7 yards per carry while Justin Forsett ran away with the top job in the backfield.

Pierce was arrested on Wednesday morning in Baltimore after he was pulled over for speeding. Pierce reportedly told the officer, via the Baltimore Sun, that he had “three shots of Jack” and he then went on to fail sobriety tests. Pierce is subject to a two-game ban for his DUI offense under the league’s new personal conduct policy.

UPDATE 4:35 p.m. ET: The Jaguars have announced the move.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/03/19/court-ends-josh-mcnarys-gps-monitoring/

Court ends Josh McNary’s GPS monitoring
Posted by Mike Florio on March 19, 2015

Getty Images

Colts linebacker Josh McNary faces serious allegations of rape. Pending trial, he had been required to wear a GPS tracker. According to the Indianapolis Star, a judge has now removed that limitation on McNary’s freedom pending trial.

The ruling comes a week after McNary’s lawyer argued in court for an adjustment to his bond.

McNary is scheduled to stand trial on June 15. His lawyer claims that the alleged victim has fabricated the charge, explaining in court that he received an anonymous letter claiming that the alleged victim had made a prior charge of rape. Also, McNary’s lawyer said in court that a friend of the alleged victim supposedly cautioned her via text message about “the little boy who cries wolf too much.”

McNary was placed on the Commissioner’s-Exempt list following his January arrest. He’ll remain there until his case is resolved, regardless of his eventual guilt or innocence.

 

[Prime Time]

Looks like Walden got himself hooked up with a crazy bunny boiler. Ah, the joys of dating.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/03/19/erik-walden-allegedly-slashed-by-ex-girlfriend/

Erik Walden allegedly slashed by ex-girlfriend
Posted by Mike Florio on March 19, 2015

Getty Images

The ex-girlfriend of Colts linebacker Erik Waldenis in custody after allegedly slashing Walden’s arm with a knife and breaking the arm of a woman who was with Walden in Braselton, Georgia.

It could have been worse. Via WXIA-TV, Erica Palmer allegedly confronted Walden and the woman with a gun and a baseball bat. Walden got the gun away from Palmer, but she then struck the woman with the bat and ran away.

As Walden and the woman were heading to the hospital to have the broken arm treated, Palmer allegedly reappeared with a knife, cut Walden, and fled again.

Palmer is being held without bail, charged with two counts of aggravated assault, family violence aggravated assault, theft by taking, and first-degree burglary. Walden, who has fathered two children with Palmer, was treated and released.

Walden has spent the last two seasons with the Colts. His career began in 2008, with the Chiefs. He also has played for the Dolphins and Packers, including during the Super Bowl-winning season of 2010.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.co...of-rape-charges-filed-against-darren-sharper/

A fourth set of rape charges filed against Darren Sharper
Posted by Darin Gantt on March 20, 2015

AP

Trouble continues to mount for former NFL safety Darren Sharper, who has now been charged with rape in his fourth city.

According to the Associated Press, rape charges were filed in Las Vegas today, to go along with similar charges in Los Angeles, New Orleans and outside Phoenix.

Today’s docket included two sexual assault charges stemming from a 2014 incident. His attorney appeared before a judge, and they have another hearing set for April 3.

Sharper’s currently jailed in Los Angeles, where he has a preliminary hearing scheduled for today following a not guilty plea on charges of drugging and raping three women in 2013.

 

[Prime Time]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.co...r-pleads-guilty-to-sexual-assault-in-arizona/

Darren Sharper pleads guilty to sexual assault in Arizona
Posted by Nick Mensio on March 23, 2015

Former NFL safety Darren Sharper pleaded guilty to sexual assault and attempted sexual assault in Arizona on Monday.

The 39-year-old has been sentenced to nine years in prison and lifetime probation. The penalty actually seems on the light side, but Sharper will face plenty more years behind bars, considering Arizona isn’t the only state Sharper has allegedly drugged and raped women. He’s also facing charges in Los Angeles, New Orleans, and Las Vegas and has been jailed in L.A. since February 2014.

The five-time Pro Bowler is expected to plead guilty to all of his charges across the four states. Hearings in Las Vegas and New Orleans are tentatively scheduled for later this week and next month, respectively.

In the New Orleans case, Sharper faces life behind bars without the possibility of parole.

 

[Prime Time]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.co...n-reaches-plea-deal-to-end-his-criminal-case/

Letroy Guion reaches plea deal to end his criminal case
Posted by Darin Gantt on March 24, 2015

AP

Letroy Guion didn’t help his case in free agency by getting busted a month before the market opened with a bunch of weed, and a gun and a pile of cash in his car.

But now, the charges against him are gone, and his pursuit of a new contract can begin.

According to Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com, Guion’scriminal case was closed after he reached a plea deal Tuesday that included a $5,000 fine plus court costs. Since he had no prior record, the charges were dismissed without adjudication of guilt.

“Hopefully he learned from his mistake and can continue his NFL career,” captain Barry K. Warren, public information officer for the Starke, Florida, police department said.

Guion was pulled over on Feb. 3 for erratic driving, and cops found a substantial quantity of marijuana, an unloaded gun and $190,028.81 in cash in his truck.

There’s still a civil forfeiture case pending, so he can get his money back.

But now that his record is clear, he may have another way to earn some of it back.

The Packers have shown some interest in bringing him back, but his plea deal could cause others to get into the mix.

 

[Prime Time]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/03/29/saints-cornerback-arrested-in-miami-beach/

Saints cornerback arrested in Miami Beach
Posted by Mike Florio on March 29, 2015

Getty Images

Saints cornerback Brian Dixon has been arrested in Miami Beach for resisting arrest without violence. Per multiple sources, the arrest occurred early this morning.

It’s unclear why Dixon was being arrested in the first place. He’s charged only with resisting arrest.

The Saints will now have to decide whether to resist the temptation to sever ties with Dixon, who was undrafted in 2014 coming out of Northwest Missouri State.

UPDATE 12:24 p.m. ET: Dixon reportedly was arrested after being pulled over while driving a moped.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/03/29/dixon-arrested-after-moped-incident/

Dixon arrested after moped incident
Posted by Mike Florio on March 29, 2015

Getty Images

Saints cornerback Brian Dixon was arrested for resisting arrest, but not for anything else. Which raises a legitimate question about what he was being arrested for when he resisted arrest.

That logic still seems to be lost on the authorities in South Beach, but Nick Underhill of the New Orleans Advocate offers some additional details about the incident.

Per Underhill, police say Dixon was driving a moped. A police officer pulled him over. Dixon then questioned the officer. And the officer arrested Dixon.

Without knowing what Dixon said, it’s hard to know whether the arrest was justified. It’s nevertheless odd that Dixon was arrested for resisting an arrest that still has not been specified.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/03/29/dixon-accused-officers-of-racial-bias/

Dixon accused officers of racial bias
Posted by Mike Florio on March 29, 2015

Saints cornerback Brian Dixon was arrested early Sunday after an incident involving a moped. Specifically, he was arrested for resisting arrest. It still remains unclear what he was being arrested for when he allegedly resisted arrest.

Nick Underhill of the New Orleans Advocate hasobtained the police report.

According to the report, police officers saw Dixon “splitting lanes” and driving down the center of the road, eventually swerving and cutting off another vehicle.

The officers contend that Dixon became “belligerent” after he learned that he’d be getting a ticket, eventually saying “just give me my ticket so I can get the f–k out of here.”

According to the report, Dixon’s “imposing size, stature, and weight, as well as the defendant’s agitated state” resulted in an order to sit on a curb. (He’s listed as six feet and 195 pounds, which would nearly qualify me as having “imposing size, stature, and weight.”) Dixon refused, instead taking a step toward the officer.

An officer then began to place Dixon under arrest. He allegedly tensed his body and pulled away from the officer.

“Let me go,” Dixon allegedly said. “You’re just doing this because I’m a black man with dreads and I look like a criminal. I’m not a criminal.”

While being taken in custody, Dixon said, “I’m not a criminal. I give so much to this community. I’m an NFL player. Let me call my agent.”

The Saints acknowledged that they are aware of the incident but had no further comment on Dixon, who earned a roster spot last year despite being undrafted.

 

[Zombie Slayer]

Shouldn't Aaron Hernandez be in this thread as well with his trial?

 

[Prime Time]

Shouldn't Aaron Hernandez be in this thread as well with his trial?

My intent was mainly to stick with criminal charges that were filed this year but if anything interesting happens, sure. You or anyone else is welcome to post that in this thread.

 

[Zombie Slayer]

End of the trial is nearing.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/12628060/testimony-continues-aaron-hernandez-murder-trial

FALL RIVER, Mass. -- The defense rested its case in the murder trial of former [URL='http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/ne/new-england-patriots']New England Patriots star tight end Aaron Hernandez on Monday after calling just three witnesses.

The defense's first witness was Dr. David Greenblatt, a professor at Tufts University School of Medicine, who testified about the effects of PCP. Hernandez's two co-defendants, Ernest Wallace and Carlos Ortiz, were seen smoking PCP a few days before the June 17, 2013, killing of Odin Lloyd. Both men have pleaded not guilty and will be tried later.

Prosecutor Patrick Bomberg went after Greenblatt's testimony, showing surveillance video of Ortiz, Wallace and Hernandez from Hernandez's home before and immediately after the killing. In the videos, the men do not appear to be acting strangely.

"This is essentially three minutes after the murder -- you'd expect to see something lingering of PCP psychosis or intoxication," Bomberg said, asking if Greenblatt could detect such behavior.

"You just can't tell," Greenblatt replied.

After the defense rested, prosecutors called a rebuttal witness to testify about PCP. That witness, Dr. Martin Brecher, a psychiatrist, said it was wrong to associate PCP and violence. Brecher wrote a paper reviewing cases of PCP over decades.

After the prosecutor finished questioning Brecher, the judge called for a recess and sent the jury out of the room.

Hernandez has pleaded not guilty in the killing of Lloyd, who was shot six times at an industrial park less than a mile from Hernandez's home in North Attleborough. Lloyd was dating the sister of Hernandez's fiancée. At the time of the killing, Hernandez had a $40 million contract with the Patriots.

Testimony by two other witnesses related to DNA on a shell casing found inside a silver Nissan Altima that Hernandez rented, which prosecutors say he used to drive Lloyd to his death. When police found the shell casing in a trash bin at a rental car agency, it was stuck to chewed blue bubble gum that also was found in the Nissan. In testing, Hernandez's DNA was found on the shell casing. The defense has argued it got there from the bubble gum.

While they spent less than a day putting on a defense, Hernandez's lawyers vigorously cross-examined many of the prosecution's 131 witnesses, some for hours, during the trial, which has lasted more than two months. They questioned why Hernandez would put his life and career on the line to kill a man they said was a friend. They also attacked what they painted as sloppy police work.

Prosecutors have not explained to jurors a possible motive for the killing, had no witnesses to the shooting and never found the murder weapon. But they presented hundreds of pieces of evidence, including surveillance videos from inside Hernandez's home that showed him holding a black object that appeared to be a gun less than 10 minutes after Lloyd's death. A marijuana joint found near Lloyd's body had DNA from both men on it.

Cellphone records also showed the men communicating with Lloyd that night. Surveillance video along the way showed Hernandez driving the Nissan shortly before Lloyd's sister saw him get into a silver car, a moment captured on a neighbor's security camera. Soon after, a tollbooth camera caught the Nissan leaving Boston, while Lloyd's phone pinged several cell towers before stopping in North Attleborough for good.

Closing arguments are set for Tuesday or Wednesday. After that, the 15 jurors will be given instructions and three of them will be randomly selected as alternate jurors.

Eighteen jurors began the trial in January, but three were dismissed, including one who is accused of misrepresenting her answers during screening in a bid to get onto the jury.[/URL]

 

[Legatron4]

You think he did it?

 

[Prime Time]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.co...harris-arrested-for-dui-trying-to-bite-a-cop/

Ex-NFL player Kwame Harris arrested for DUI, trying to bite a cop
Posted by Michael David Smith on April 7, 2015

AP

Former 49ers and Raiders offensive tackle Kwame Harris has been arrested and accused of driving under the influence and trying to bite a police officer.

The San Francisco Chronicle reports that police say Harris was involved in two hit-and-run crashes while under the influence of drugs, and that he eventually fell asleep in a running vehicle and tried to bite the hand of a responding officer.

Police say someone flagged them down around 7:30 p.m. and told them that a man who was parked halfway in a driveway appeared to need assistance. When police got to the scene they found Harris and attempted to handcuff him, and he responded by trying to bite one of the officers.

Eventually Harris was subdued and arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, aggravated assault on an officer, hit-and-run and resisting officers.

In 2013, Harris was sentenced to five days in jail for a misdemeanor domestic violence conviction.

 

[CodeMonkey]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.co...harris-arrested-for-dui-trying-to-bite-a-cop/

Ex-NFL player Kwame Harris arrested for DUI, trying to bite a cop
Posted by Michael David Smith on April 7, 2015

AP

Former 49ers and Raiders offensive tackle Kwame Harris has been arrested and accused of driving under the influence and trying to bite a police officer.

The San Francisco Chronicle reports that police say Harris was involved in two hit-and-run crasheswhile under the influence of drugs, and that he eventually fell asleep in a running vehicle and tried to bite the hand of a responding officer.

Police say someone flagged them down around 7:30 p.m. and told them that a man who was parked halfway in a driveway appeared to need assistance. When police got to the scene they found Harris and attempted to handcuff him, and he responded by trying to bite one of the officers.

Eventually Harris was subdued and arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, aggravated assault on an officer, hit-and-run and resisting officers.

In 2013, Harris was sentenced to five days in jail for a misdemeanor domestic violence conviction.

Perhaps he was high on "bath salts" and was in the mood for some face.

 

[Prime Time]

Perhaps he was high on "bath salts" and was in the mood for some face.

Or after the police officer asked him for his licence and registration he said "Bite me!"

 

[brokeu91]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.co...harris-arrested-for-dui-trying-to-bite-a-cop/

Ex-NFL player Kwame Harris arrested for DUI, trying to bite a cop
Posted by Michael David Smith on April 7, 2015

AP

Former 49ers and Raiders offensive tackle Kwame Harris has been arrested and accused of driving under the influence and trying to bite a police officer.

The San Francisco Chronicle reports that police say Harris was involved in two hit-and-run crashes while under the influence of drugs, and that he eventually fell asleep in a running vehicle and tried to bite the hand of a responding officer.

Police say someone flagged them down around 7:30 p.m. and told them that a man who was parked halfway in a driveway appeared to need assistance. When police got to the scene they found Harris and attempted to handcuff him, and he responded by trying to bite one of the officers.

Eventually Harris was subdued and arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, aggravated assault on an officer, hit-and-run and resisting officers.

In 2013, Harris was sentenced to five days in jail for a misdemeanor domestic violence conviction.

 

[Prime Time]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.co...sive-back-will-allen-charged-in-ponzi-scheme/

Former NFL defensive back Will Allen charged in Ponzi scheme
Posted by Mike Florio on April 7, 2015

Getty Images

On nearly the same day that a 2003 first-round pick was charged with hit-and-run (and attempted bit-and-run), a 2001 first-round pick was charged with trying to run away with other people’s money.

Via multiple reports, the Securities and Exchange Commission has accused former NFL defensive back Will Allen and others of running a Ponzi scheme, using money from investors to pay other investors.

“The defendants sold investors on the idea of lending money to pro athletes, but we allege that’s not where a large portion of the investors’ money went,” the SEC said in a release. “As in any Ponzi scheme, the appearance of a successful investment was only an illusion sustained by lies.”

The scam allegedly loaned $18 million to athletes, raising more than $31 million from investors.

Drafted by the Giants, Allen played five years in New York and five years with the Dolphins.

 

[Prime Time]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.co...stigating-aqib-talib-and-brother-for-assault/

Report: Dallas police investigating Aqib Talib and brother for assault
Posted by Michael David Smith on April 8, 2015

AP

Last year the Dallas Police Department falsely claimed it had arrested Aqib Talib, when in fact it had arrested his brother. Now the Dallas police are investigating both Talib and his brother.

Talib and his brother are under investigation for an aggravated assault early this morning in downtown Dallas, WFAA reports.

As part of the investigation, vehicles Talib and his brother were driving have been taken into police custody. Talib and his brother have also been questioned, but they were released with no arrests made.

Talib grew up in the Dallas area and his family still lives there.

 

[Prime Time]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/04/09/titus-young-pleads-no-contest-to-felony-battery/

Titus Young pleads no contest to felony battery
Posted by Michael David Smith on April 9, 2015

Getty Images

Former Lions receiver Titus Young has been convicted of a felony charge and is facing significant prison time.

Young pleaded no contest to one felony count ofbattery with serious bodily injury in Los Angeles County, ESPN reports. He faces up to three years in prison when he is sentenced on May 5. Misdemeanor charges Young faced will be dropped as part of his plea agreement.

The 25-year-old Young was a second-round draft pick of the Lions in 2011 and initially showed a lot of promise, with 607 receiving yards as a rookie. But in his second year he clashed with coaches and teammates and was benched, and the Lions cut him after the season. He had a series of run-ins with the law after his playing career ended.

Now Young’s NFL career is almost certainly over, and he may spend years behind bars.