The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have released tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins after he was arrested in Florida and charged with driving while intoxicated.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, Seferian-Jekins was stopped on Interstate 275 and was going between 75 and 80 miles per hour in a 55-mph zone. He improperly changed lanes and cut off a state trooper, which resulted in Seferian-Jenkins being pulled over.
After he was taken to the Hillsborough County Jail, Seferian-Jenkins refused a breathalyzer test and was charged with DUI and violation of an Ignition Interlock Device restriction that he had in place from a previous arrest in 2013 for driving under the influence.
The Buccaneers selected Seferian-Jenkins in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft.
According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the U.S. ends up having to spend roughly $199 billion each year due to drunk driving accidents, charges, and related expenses.
“We are very disappointed in today’s news,” said Bucs general manager Jason Licht following the announcement of the arrest and decision to release their tight end. “After careful consideration, we felt this was the right decision at this time.”
ESPN reports that according to the NFL Policy and Program on Substances of Abuse first-time offenses involving alcohol-related arrests are subjected to suspension without pay for two regular season or postseason games, unless there are aggravating circumstances.
Seferian-Jenkins will be given a fresh start with a new NFL team. According to Bleacher Report, the New York Jets claimed Seferian-Jenkins off waivers after the Bucs released him.
Since Seferian-Jenkins has been arrested twice, he at least has the ability to look back and reflect on his mistakes.
“You’re really in a box, and you’re really just sitting there,” said Seferian-Jenkins. “You’re in your thoughts, and you’re thinking about why you’re here and what o I have to do to never be here again. It’s really crazy.”
