Titans give support to Kearse
It was supposed to be a day focused on the positive.
As the Titans gathered for the team's charity golf tournament Monday, however, players found themselves discussing something negative, and it wasn't season-ending surgery for Tiger Woods.
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SANFORD MYERS / FILE / THE TENNESSEAN
Jevon Kearse, shown at left at last month's minicamp, is receiving support from his teammates following his DUI charges, with most saying he used bad judgment and should be able to get past it. |
Defensive end Jevon Kearse, their popular teammate and a player who'd steered clear of off-the-field trouble in his first 10 NFL seasons, had been arrested on charges of driving under the influence.
His teammates used words such as "unfortunate' and "frustrating" but seemed willing to give him a mulligan. Coach Jeff Fisher said he'd talk about the situation today when the Titans resume their June minicamp.
"This is something that happened to an older veteran and something that has happened, unfortunately, throughout this league," tight end Alge Crumpler said.
"But if we can kind of teach our guys and learn from this situation hopefully we can continue to have a brighter future.''
Vanderbilt police arrested Kearse on Sunday after pulling him over on West End Avenue at 4:42 a.m. He was transported to Metro jail and released on $1,000 bond. He has a July 14 court date. Kearse retained Nashville attorney Roger May, who represented former Titans quarterback Steve McNair in a 2003 DUI case that eventually was dismissed.
If Kearse is convicted for a first offense, the fine could range from $350-$1,500 and jail time could range from 24 hours to 11 months, 29 days. He also could be required to perform 24 hours of public service and attend an alcohol safety class.
He could also be subject to NFL punishment under the league's personal conduct policy.
Kearse wasn't scheduled to play in Monday's tournament at Hillwood Country Club and did not attend.
As players in golf carts were leaving the clubhouse area, one of the event's organizers reminded them to be safe. Players were informed they could arrange for a ride home from Safe Ride Solutions, a DUI prevention program.
The Titans also use Safe Ride, which allows players to call a phone number and request a ride home if they've had too much to drink.
They also can call before a night out to request a ride later. Players must register for the program, however.
"There have been some programs we've discussed,'' punter Craig Hentrich said. "It's just a shame that wasn't taken advantage of.''
Coaches have addressed the Titans about decision-making on numerous occasions, players said.
"But it is one of those things that happens,'' tackle Michael Roos said. "I am sure it is the same on every team; every coach talks about it. You hope no player is in the news, but pretty much every team has someone in the news. So you try to eliminate it as much as you can.''
'An isolated incident'
The Titans had avoided the sorts of high-profile problems some other teams faced this summer. Bills running back Marshawn Lynch was involved in a hit-and-run accident, and Bears running back Cedric Benson was arrested twice for alcohol-related incidents. The Bears recently cut him.
Crumpler said he hadn't spoken with Kearse but was "pretty sure" the veteran end is disappointed.
"I know at this stage of his career he doesn't want to create any kind of distraction for the team," Crumpler said.
"But right now it is early, which is good. Hopefully he can move past it and I am pretty sure he can.''
Said cornerback Nick Harper: "We are football players and entertainers and we are in the public eye, but we are still human. Anybody can make mistakes. � This is an isolated incident and we can't look down on him for what happened."
Reach Jim Wyatt at 259-8015 or [email protected].
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