NFL reportedly threatens 'significant discipline' for violations of alcohol policy
The NFL reportedly has left no doubt about its alcohol policies after Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Todd Downing was arrested for driving under the influence and speeding early Friday morning.
"In light of recent events, clubs are reminded that league policy prohibits alcoholic beverages, including beer, in the locker rooms, practice or office facilities, or while traveling on team buses or planes at any time during the preseason, regular season or postseason," reads a memo reportedly sent to teams Friday that was shared by Nick Bromberg of Yahoo Sports and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. "This applies to all players, coaches, club personnel, and guests traveling with your team.
"This policy has been in place for many years ... Violations of this important policy will be taken seriously and will result in significant discipline."
The "significant discipline" wasn't specified in the memo or by Bromberg.
The Titans improved to 7-3 on the season via Thursday's prime-time 27-17 win at the Green Bay Packers and then flew back to Nashville. Bromberg notes the Titans' team plane finished that journey at approximately 2:07 a.m., while Tony Garcia of Nashville's WSMV reported Downing was pulled over at around 2:30 a.m. local time.
Following Downing's arrest, NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy confirmed the league has "a policy that prohibits alcohol on team planes or buses" and had "been in contact with the Titans regarding the matter which will be reviewed." McCarthy added all personnel, including coaches, are subject to potential discipline for violating that policy.
McCarthy's email to Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio was sent the same week the Washington Commanders went viral for a video that showed quarterback Taylor Heinicke holding a beer while traveling on Washington's team plane:
Pelissero offered an update on the Washington situation on Friday evening:
As of Friday evening, it wasn't known if Downing will attend Tennessee's Week 12 home game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Nov. 27.
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