Chicago Bears fullback Evan Rodriguez was cited for driving under the influence, speeding and an improper lane change in connection with a traffic stop at 3:30 a.m. last Friday morning.
Rodriguez apologized for his actions, saying that he made “a very poor decision”, but he might have a tough time keeping his roster spot after his latest incident. The second-year pro was arrested in March on charges of resisting an officer and disorderly intoxication. The previous charges were eventually dropped, but the incident wasn’t treated lightly by the team.
“I am deeply sorry for the incident that occurred the other night. I want to apologize to the entire Bears organization, my teammates, coaches and Bears fans everywhere,” Rodriguez said in a statement. “I realize I made a very poor decision. I know more is expected of me, and I let a lot of people down that are counting on me. I will make positive changes in my life so that this doesn’t happen again.”
Rodriguez was pulled over in the wee hours of the morning on Friday after authorities saw him committing multiple traffic violations. The latest arrest could make it very difficult for the young player to keep a spot on the 53-man roster, especially when you consider he is coming off a less than spectacular season where he totaled four catches for 21 yards in 12 games.
The Bears released a statement following his arrest.
“We are aware of the reports regarding Evan Rodriguez,” the team said in a statement. “We are currently gathering information to learn more about the circumstances surrounding the situation.”
Criminal Defense Attorney Brett Appelman comments
It is disturbing that so many of our “heroes”, such as professional athletes, rock stars, and actors continually get into trouble with the law. It may be attributed to their higher profile; that the police are always looking to arrest a big name. It might be the fact that many of these stars have been coddled their entire lives, were always told they were special, and never really had to face any consequences for their bad actions in the past. They might have grown up feeling entitled; that the rules don’t apply to them.
The actress Reese Witherspoon was arrested recently and while being handcuffed she threatened the cop saying, “Do you know my name sir?” When the police officer responded that he did not know her name she then stated “‘You don’t NEED to know my name? You’re about to find out who I am.” This entitled attitude only made her situation worse, and she eventually pled guilty to Disorderly Conduct.
Evan Rodriguez is a professional athlete who has now been arrested twice in only a few months, both times on alcohol related charges. While neither case has had serious legal ramifications for him, he is clearly showing a pattern of alcohol abuse and disregard for the law. The Bears need to discuss his problems with him and get him alcohol treatment immediately. A second DUI or something worse will have long lasting effects on his ability to play football.
Related source: ESPN
Illinois Criminal & Civil Defense Blog 