Another Dallas Cowboys player has been arrested for suspicion of Driving While Intoxicated. Like the Fort Worth Police departments, the Cowboys seem to be unable to alter the culture of drunk driving inherit in the team. Time and time again the same mistakes are made. Reforms are promised, but little change occurs.
Jay Ratliff, WFAA Photo
The most recent Cowboy to be facing charges is nose tackle Jay Ratliff who was arrested early yesterday morning. While no one was injured, Ratliff was in a car accident in the 2800 block of Highway 114. His pickup drifted into a lane over where an 18-wheeler was driving. Fortunately, his F-150 did not hit a smaller vehicle which may have otherwise been seriously damaged. Ratliff lost control over his truck after side-swiping the 18-wheeler and struck a guardrail before coming to a merciful stop before any more damage was done.
The 31-year-old nose tackle then had to explain his actions to the responding police officers. He refused a breathalyzer, but as a consequence had to be taken to the police station to have his blood drawn after a warrant was obtained. The test results aren’t out yet, so it’s anyone’s guess as to how high his blood alcohol level was. The police report mentions “clear indications” that Ratliff had been drinking. After paying a meager $500 bond, Ratliff was out of jail. His fate however, is still undecided. Once the tests results come through the charges against Ratliff may solidify further.
Last month Cowboy Jerry Brown was killed in a drunk driving accident while teammate Josh Brent was behind the wheel. Brown’s tragic death brought the issue of drunk driving in the NFL front and center. Sadly, it looks so far as if no lessons have been learned. Cowboy players continue to drink and drive – putting themselves, their teammates, and innocent people on the road at great risk.
With one nose tackle facing intoxication manslaughter charges that could put him behind bars for life and another nose tackle out on bail after a Monday night drunk driving accident, the NFL team needs to take a long, hard look in the mirror and decide what changes need to be made. They need to actively take a stance against drunk driving and prevent these car accidents from occurring. Between information, technology and the vast resources of the NFL team there must be a way to stop these incidents. Jerry Jones and the NFL need to step up their game.
