NFL sends memo to teams on alcohol policy after Titans OC is arrested for DUI following win
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NFL sends memo to teams threatening ‘significant discipline’ for failing to comply with alcohol policy after Titans OC Todd Downing was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving
- The league stressed that all teams must avoid making alcohol available in facilities, on flights and in locker rooms to players, coaches and other staff
- After a win on Thursday night, Downing was arrested for speeding and drunk driving
- The memo stated that violating this policy “will result in significant discipline”
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The NFL isn’t so careful reminding teams of its rules regarding alcohol after a Tennessee Titans coach was arrested for drunk driving.
Titans offensive coordinator Todd Downing was charged with speeding and drunk driving in the early hours after his team defeated the Packers 27-17 on Thursday Night Football.
League officials sent a memo to each team reminding them of their strict rules for teams making alcohol to players, staff and other personnel.
In light of recent events, clubs are reminded that it is League policy that prohibits alcoholic beverages, including beer, from being consumed in dressing rooms, practice or office facilities, or while traveling on team buses or aircraft at any time during pre-season, regular season or post-season. ,” the memo wrote.
Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Todd Downing was arrested for drunk driving and speeding south of Nashville hours after the team’s victory over the Green Bay Packers in Wisconsin
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Robert Woods (R) extends the ball as it is tackled by Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander. Downing’s offense was particularly strong, beating the Packers 408 yards to 271
This applies to all players, coaches, club staff and guests traveling with your team.
This policy has been around for many years. Making alcohol available at club facilities or while traveling creates significant and unnecessary risk to the League, its players, coaches and others.
Violations of this important policy will be taken seriously and will result in significant discipline.
“Each club must ensure that alcohol is not served at any time in its travel arrangements and must also take appropriate steps to confirm that alcohol (be it beer or any other alcoholic beverage) is not available in its facility.”
Downing has a long history in the NFL, previously coaching the Titans’ tight ends after stints with the Minnesota Vikings, Oakland Raiders, Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions and St. Louis Rams
Tennessee Highway Patrol stopped 42-year-old Downing in Williamson County for allegedly speeding at the Moores Lane exit off Interstate 65.
The trooper saw clear signs of drunkenness from Downing, who was later booked into the Williamson County Jail at 3:30 a.m. Friday. He would be released hours later after being charged with drunk driving and speeding.
“A THP trooper was patrolling Interstate 65 southbound from Moores Lane when he saw a vehicle traveling at high speed,” a Tennessee Highway Patrol statement told DailyMail.com.
“The trooper performed a traffic check on the vehicle and contacted the driver, Todd Downing,” the statement continued.
“The cavalryman noticed signs of paralysis and the smell of intoxicants emanating from the vehicle. Mr Downing was arrested for drunk driving. He was in the Williamson County Jail.”