Jets’ Todd Downing blamed ‘victory beer’ and loss of life risk in DUI arrest video
New Jets passing recreation coordinator Todd Downing mentioned his household acquired a loss of life risk in police video from his November DUI arrest.
Within the physique cam footage, obtained by TMZ, Downing admitted to ingesting “a victory beer in Inexperienced Bay” earlier than he was arrested for DUI following a “Thursday Night time Soccer” win over the Packers on Nov. 17, 2022.
Downing — who police mentioned was “hauling ass” and going “simply over 100 [mph]” in his black Mercedes — advised the Tennessee Freeway Patrol trooper that he was speeding to get residence to his household due to a loss of life risk.
After apologizing for rushing, Downing mentioned, “We simply landed, I’m with the Titans.
“I acquired a loss of life risk tonight and the Franklin police are exterior my home and I used to be making an attempt to get residence to my household.”
The officer mentioned he observed an odor of alcohol on Downing’s breath and slurred speech.
The 42-year-old coach mentioned he had not been ingesting, including, “you may verify with our safety.”
Previous to a collection of subject sobriety assessments — which have been carried out on the aspect of the street, close to a fuel station — Downing then mentioned he had “a victory beer in Inexperienced Bay.”
“I by no means meant to go reckless, I’m simply frightened about my household,” he mentioned.
Downing was then put in handcuffs and positioned below arrest for DUI.
“Right here’s the deal, I believe you’ve had solely an excessive amount of to drink tonight to be behind the wheel of a automobile,” the arresting officer mentioned.
After he was put behind the police automobile, Downing reportedly made a name to a member of the Titans’ group.
“Hey Jon, hey, man, I used to be speeding residence and I acquired arrested for DUI,” Downing mentioned.
“I used to be panicking as a result of I used to be scared about my household, and I had a victory beer.”
Although not specified who was on the opposite finish of the decision, the Titans GM on the time was Jon Robinson.
The officer then requested the individual on the cellphone about Downing’s household state of affairs.
“There had been some social media stuff… he’s telling the reality about that,” the individual mentioned.
Downing then advised the person on the cellphone that he would like breaking the information of his arrest to move coach Mike Vrabel himself, TMZ reported.
Though Downing requested for “grace,” within the state of affairs, the arresting officer mentioned, “That’s simply not how we function.”
Downing was then transported to a medical facility to get his blood drawn.
He was later booked at Williamson County Jail simply after 4:30 a.m. and launched a number of hours later.
Downing was charged with rushing and driving below the affect.
In January, Downing served a 48-hour sentence in jail to shut the case.
The coach was not instantly disciplined by the Titans, and he didn’t miss any video games.
Downing joined Robert Saleh’s staff last month after the Titans fired him as their offensive coordinator in January.