The Detroit Lions have waived safety Brandon Joseph – just hours after he was taken into police custody on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.
The second-year safety was arrested by police at 1:47 a.m. Saturday in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn Heights before being released about six hours later.
According to ESPNthe 23-year-old was seen driving through the city at high speed. After being stopped, officers reportedly noticed signs that Joseph had been drinking.
He was arrested and detained by police, who tested security before letting him leave on Saturday morning. But a few hours later, the Super Bowl hopefuls distanced themselves from Joseph.
The Lions’ decision came less than 24 hours before they were scheduled to face the Chicago Bears.
The 23-year-old signed as an undrafted free agent in 2023. He played in 14 games this season after spending time on both the Lions’ active roster and practice squad in recent years.
The Detroit Lions have waived safety Brandon Joseph just hours after he was arrested
The Lions’ decision came less than 24 hours before they were scheduled to face the Chicago Bears
“He was very cooperative and accommodating,” Paul Vanderplow of the Dearborn Heights Police Department told ESPN.
“We had reasonable suspicion and probable cause to investigate him because he was operating under the influence.
“He subjected himself to all the required tests. We are awaiting the results of those tests before even filing additional charges.”
Detroit also released wide receiver Maurice Alexander and waived defensive lineman David Bada with an injury settlement.
Meanwhile, the Lions activated safety Ifeato Melifonwu from injured reserve on Saturday, moving him one step closer to his season debut.
Melifonwu was listed as doubtful due to a hand injury Sunday’s game in Chicago. Safety Brian Branch (calf) and guard Graham Glasgow (knee) were also questionable for the Bears game.
Detroit did not list center Frank Ragnow (back) or linebacker Trevor Nowaske (concussion) on the injury report, and both are expected to play.