Despite lockdown rules in place throughout much of the country, the NFL has seen some high-profile arrests over the last week involving some of their players. Seattle Seahawks cornerback Quinton Dunbar and New York Giants cornerback DeAndre Baker were charged with armed robbery and aggravated assault, while Washington Redskins wide receiver Cody Latimer was arrested for assault, illegal discharge of a firearm and reckless endangerment.
On Saturday night, Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver became the latest player to have a run-in with the law: Oliver was arrested in Houston after being pulled over due to a 911 call from another driver. The 22-year-old, who was drafted ninth overall last year and served as a starting defender for the Bills during his rookie year, was subsequently charged with misdemeanor counts of driving while intoxicated and illegal weapon possession.
“We are aware of the situation and we are gathering more information. We will have no further comment at this point,” the Bills organization said in a statement released after the incident became public. Neither Oliver himself nor the NFL have commented on the matter.
His arrest could have an impact on Oliver’s second year in the league, though. Considered a breakout candidate after coming off a promising rookie campaign, the NFL will decide how to handle his case, even though nobody was hurt and the vehicle Oliver was operating did not crash. Still, he could get suspended for the DWI charge with his illegal weapons charge also likely factoring into the equation.
The New England Patriots will face off against Oliver’s Bills twice this season, once in Week 6 and again in Week 16. Even if eventually suspended, it seems unlikely that the defender will miss one or both of those games.