Chicago Bears cornerback Tim Jennings was arrested on charges of driving under the influence, speeding and reckless driving in Gwinnett County, Ga., on Wednesday, as first reported by Michael C. Wright of ESPN. Details have since emerged about the incident from the police report that was released on Thursday morning.
Bears CB Tim Jennings arrested for DUI
The veteran cornerback also faces charges of speeding and reckless driving.
Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
According to the report, Jennings was clocked at 99 mph in a 65 mph zone, and claimed that he was speeding because he had “somewhere to be and [was] running late.” He later told the officer that he was heading to a parent-teacher conference. When the officer questioned him about the smell of alcohol in the car and on his breath, Jennings admitted that he had been drinking the night before, but was insistent that he wasn’t drunk at the time of the arrest. He then refused additional sobriety tests after the officer checked his eyes. Jennings was later taken into custody and released on bond in the late afternoon.
The Bears issued a statement about the situation on Wednesday: “We are aware of the reports regarding Tim Jennings’ arrest. We are currently gathering information to learn more about the circumstances surrounding the situation.”
The 31-year-old defensive back has spent the last five seasons in Chicago, earning Pro Bowl honors in both 2012 and 2013. This season he started all 16 games, recording 37 tackles and seven passes defended, but did not have an interception. He rated 25th out of 108 qualifying cornerbacks this season, according to Pro Football Focus’ grading system.
Prior to joining the Bears, he spent his first four years as a pro with the Indianapolis Colts, who drafted him in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft out of Georgia. Jennings was mostly a reserve in Indy, with just 21 starts over four seasons. Last year he signed a four-year, $22.4 million deal with Chicago.
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