NFL staff face mounting traffic violations, from speeding to DUI arrests
Recent months have seen a spate of driving offenses involving NFL players, coaches and staff, prompting team suspensions and releases.
The NFL is confronting a growing pattern of traffic-related misconduct among its personnel. In late July, the Chargers released guard Ben Cleveland after a recent arrest for speeding and driving with a limited permit, adding to a prior DUI charge. Former Cowboys quarterback and a analyst at one outlet was arrested in Wisconsin for operating while intoxicated and faces a September hearing.
San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan suffered multiple injuries in a head-on collision that he attributed to dropping his phone while driving his Tesla. Minnesota Vikings defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander was suspended after pleading guilty to third-degree DWI, and Washington Commanders tight-end coach Ben Steele was dismissed following a June DWI arrest. Earlier incidents involve University of Miami defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr., whose 2025 reckless-driving citation followed a fatal 2024 crash, and Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice, who served jail time for a marijuana-related probation violation tied to a 2024 high-speed collision. One outlet identified 21 such cases since 2024, suggesting a systemic issue despite league statements that these matters are handled by individual clubs.
Why it matters
Frequent traffic offenses by NFL personnel raise safety concerns and reflect on the league's oversight of employee conduct.
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