Dennard arrested for DUI

[RI Patriots fan]

Because driving drunk usually lacks any kind of criminal intent?

DUI really is something that can happen to almost anyone, no matter how "good" or how "virtuous" they are. I mean, it's kind of like making a big mistake when figuring out your taxes.

By definition, the person has been drinking and their mental process is impaired. What's one of the first things to go ? Rational decision making. We all understand this which is why we aren't surprised when someone does something stupid when they are drunk.

It's against the law and there's a price to be paid, but let's put this in a slightly different light. If Dennard were a mid level manager at some local company, do you think he should be fired for getting a DUI ? Should everyone who gets arrested for DUI this year be fired from their job because of it ?

If they're on probation for assaulting a police officer and end up in jail for 6 months....yes. Yes they should lose their job.

 

[Rob0729]

If they're on probation for assaulting a police officer and end up in jail for 6 months....yes. Yes they should lose their job.

Who said anyone was going to jail for six months?

 

[Demosthenes]

If they're on probation for assaulting a police officer and end up in jail for 6 months....yes. Yes they should lose their job.

If they end up in jail, sure. In a lot of cases though, a first offense DUI charge doesn't result in revocation of probation or parole as it's considered a minor offense.

 

[ravensgamer]

I asked this same question in a separate thread and was told it was a dumb idea/illegal etc... At the very least, it the NFL can prevent guys with bad grades from attending the combine they should be able to do the same thing with guys with off-the-field issues. They could still hold individual workouts but it would at least make things difficult for them and provide more incentive to be clean.

The NFL couldn't legally block teams from hiring them. I like your idea of keeping them out of the combine, but that would probably have to withstand a legal challenge as well.

 

[Archeryaddict12]

Statement released by the patriots:

"The New England Patriots are extremely disappointed to learn of Alfonzo Dennard’s arrest. We take this matter very seriously and are working to get more information on the incident."

 

[Oswlek]

I agree it was stupid. But that's it stupid when you're employing 23 year old kids you have to accept some level of stupidity. Especially in terms of drinking and partying.

Agreed. It is just that this is beyond my acceptance level.

 

[Oswlek]

You want to cut Dennard to set a precedence? Well, what if Brady and Wilfork got pulled over tonight for a DUI too? Guess that means you'd want them cut tomorrow.

Please, every one yelling to cut him instantly for this DUI is completely overreacting because of Hernandez. Yes, Dennard acted immature again. Yes, DUIs are serious. Yes, it was completely bad timing for the team. However, this type of immature behavior isn't new in the NFL or the Patriots. What will be telling is how he acts from here out. If he continues to do stupid / immature things, then cut ties with him.

Read through the thread. Your initial point is hyperbole and has already been refuted.

 

[Oswlek]

Because driving drunk usually lacks any kind of criminal intent?

DUI really is something that can happen to almost anyone, no matter how "good" or how "virtuous" they are. I mean, it's kind of like making a big mistake when figuring out your taxes.

By definition, the person has been drinking and their mental process is impaired. What's one of the first things to go ? Rational decision making. We all understand this which is why we aren't surprised when someone does something stupid when they are drunk.

It's against the law and there's a price to be paid, but let's put this in a slightly different light. If Dennard were a mid level manager at some local company, do you think he should be fired for getting a DUI ? Should everyone who gets arrested for DUI this year be fired from their job because of it ?

Sorry, I can't agree with this. Driving while intoxicated is one of the most wreckless, destructive things a human being can do that doesn't involve malicious intent. It is a much more serious issue than you are making it out to be and Dennard - as well as all that dumbarse Bronco execs - should be thanking their lucky stars that legal and employment consequences are the worst things that happened.

 

[Oswlek]

Again, the 3 months after sentencing really doesn't mean much. He had no association with the Patriots when he was arrested for assaulting the police officer AND the Pats drafted him knowing full well that he was arrested.

I still don't think a player should be penalized for things he did before he was drafted when looking at new offenses.

I agree that the NFL should have no right to punish a player for a non-NFL infraction, but the Patriots themselves can and should consider all aspects of Dennard's past.

 

[RI Patriots fan]

Who said anyone was going to jail for six months?

Who says he won't be sent to jail? My point was that the Patriots should react based upon whatever jail time and suspensions he is given.

 

[SB39]

Sorry, I can't agree with this. Driving while intoxicated is one of the most wreckless, destructive things a human being can do that doesn't involve malicious intent.

There are an awful lot of studies that suggest you're better off if that guy in the car next to you has a beer in his hand over a cell phone.

 

[Demosthenes]

Sorry, I can't agree with this. Driving while intoxicated is one of the most wreckless, destructive things a human being can do that doesn't involve malicious intent. It is a much more serious issue than you are making it out to be and Dennard - as well as all that dumbarse Bronco execs - should be thanking their lucky stars that legal and employment consequences are the worst things that happened.

I didn't say that it wasn't serious. I said that it lacked intent and that it's usually seen as a "minor" offense.

Let's try other examples. Women driving down the road while putting their makeup on. It's extremely dangerous and can be very destructive. If a woman was cited for it, would you view it the same as a DUI ?

Or how about a guy trying to tie a necktie and trying to put on a blazer while driving down the road ? Again, something very wreckless and potentially destructive.

I can go on and on with examples that hundreds of thousands of people do on a daily basis. How about someone driving down the road while trying to squeeze mayo out onto a Chick Fil A sandwhich ? Again, wreckless and potentially destructive.

Thing is, almost no one would view any of these as "criminal" acts. Stupid ? Yes. But most wouldn't demand that someone else get fired from their job due to them doing something "stupid" when away from work. IF that were the case, then most people would get fired a number of times per year.

 

[Demosthenes]

Who says he won't be sent to jail? My point was that the Patriots should react based upon whatever jail time and suspensions he is given.

Many others are arguing that he should be cut simply due to the arrest and that it came when he was already on probation/parole.

 

[Run DMC]

It's times like this when I as a fan question why I devote one ounce of my precious life force to these moron criminal jocks we as a society put on a pedestal for really no reason at all.

 

[dreamsfloatjoe]

:wave: Interested to see how the news media outlets outside the New England states area brand the 2013 New England Patriot's NFL team? opcorn2: Suspect it is not going to be pretty.

 

[Bronx Jet]

I don't believe a word of it. It's just media fabrication.

 

[Demosthenes]

It's times like this when I as a fan question why I devote one ounce of my precious life force to these moron criminal jocks we as a society put on a pedestal for really no reason at all.

It's genetic Goes back to the same reason that there will always be war and conflict, it's "us versus them".
'

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

I don't believe a word of it. It's just media fabrication.

Pats will murder the Jets this fall

 

[goheels22002]

Because driving drunk usually lacks any kind of criminal intent?

DUI really is something that can happen to almost anyone, no matter how "good" or how "virtuous" they are. I mean, it's kind of like making a big mistake when figuring out your taxes.

By definition, the person has been drinking and their mental process is impaired. What's one of the first things to go ? Rational decision making. We all understand this which is why we aren't surprised when someone does something stupid when they are drunk.

It's against the law and there's a price to be paid, but let's put this in a slightly different light. If Dennard were a mid level manager at some local company, do you think he should be fired for getting a DUI ? Should everyone who gets arrested for DUI this year be fired from their job because of it ?

...while on probation for assaulting a cop? The court will not disconnect standing in front of a judge just 90 days ago and agreeing to abide by the terms of probation by not committing another crime for two years. Driving drunk is a crime.

The standard of proof for violating probation is much, much lower than what is needed to prove you committed the crime itself. This is quite different than your 1st offense DUI.

Let's be clear that DUI is a serious crime. The NFL knows it and the NFLPA knows it. The Dallas Cowboys really know it. 10,000 people die every year in this country in drunk driving accidents.

Moreover, in relation to employment, it depends on if getting arrested for DUI interferes or signals that you are not capable of doing your job.

If this guy misses one session of training camp to attend to his legal difficulties for violating his probation for being convicted of assaulting a police officer, it interferes with his ability to do his job.

This episode keeps reminding me of Bill Belichick's mantra, "Do your job."

Where in Alfonzo Dennard's job description does it say "drive under the influence of alcohol?"

 

[Mack Herron]

Who says he won't be sent to jail? My point was that the Patriots should react based upon whatever jail time and suspensions he is given.

Patriots have already shown they will act before the legal process unfolds. We also know Kraft felt duped by Hernandez and as a smart business man he will take measures to ensure such things don't happen again. Let's see where he draws the line.