Chargers’ Jackson will play vs. Steelers despite DUI arrest
With San Diego’s LaDainian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates already ailing, the Chargers can ill afford another issue to one of their key offensive skill position players.
However, starting receiver Vincent Jackson was arrested in San Diego early Tuesday morning for suspicion of driving under the influence. Now, having one DUI arrest isn’t a huge deal, generally, in the scope of things as far as the NFL concerned. But having two is.
And now Jackson faces the misdemeanor DUI allegation as well as charges that he was driving on probation for a prior DUI in June 2006. But the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement gives the league, not teams, authority to punish players for alcohol and substance abuses. So he will play Sunday, and the WagerWeb.com line won’t change because of this (it’s currently San Diego +6).
According to reports, any discipline by the league would be meted out for the 2009 season. Jared Allen, then with Kansas City, was suspended for the first four games of the 2007 season after being charged with DUI twice in one year. The NFL later reduced his suspension to two games.
Jackson says he is innocent.
“I don’t think any charges will be filed as a result of the stop,” he said. “In the event they are, I look forward to clearing my name and proving my innocence.”
In October 2006, Jackson pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of drunken driving. He was placed on probation for five years, fined about $1,750, and ordered to complete a course offered by Mothers Against Drunk Driving, according to court records.
Jackson led San Diego with 1,098 yards receiving and was second with 59 catches and seven touchdowns during the regular season. But he was held without a catch for the second time all year last week against Indy. In the Chargers’ first meeting with Pittsburgh this season, Jackson had just two catches for 25 yards. The Steelers lead the NFL in pass defense, while San Diego is No. 7 in passing offense.
This is probably one distraction the Chargers don’t need heading into Sunday’s game.
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