I'm not willing to play the "everyone else does it" game when it comes to driving drunk. This isn't spygate, it is something that could easily have cost someone their life.
A lot of Pats fans come from a generation where getting pulled over drunk was not a big deal, and I think there is some lingering sentiment there. "Aw, I did that when I was 23, too. It ain't that bad." I just can't agree with this line of thinking. FWIW, I consider using cell phones - particularly if texting - to be just as reckless.
Lastly, I've said this a few times already, but I disagree that Dennard's arrest should be looked at in isolation. The fact that he would do this when the Patriots were in the midst of the biggest black eye in franchise history indicates an elevated level of carelessness and stupidity. Even more so when you consider that he was on probation and in that same town where he knew he was a marked man.
I have little doubt that he had be spoken to on several occasions since his sentencing about avoiding precisely this type of situation. He couldn't even make it to the next training camp without screwing up. I don't want to root for that kind of kid.
Assuming that the cop isn't just harassing him, of course.