As part of an agreement, Braylon Edwards pleaded guilty of DWI to resolve a case stemming from a police stop last year. While his license will be suspended for 6-months, Edwards avoided jail and probation by agreeing to pay a $500 fine and to continue in the NFL’s alcohol counseling program.
“I feel good. I feel like it came to a fair conclusion by the judge and DA,” Edwards said. “I’m happy that it’s past and now it’s just really time to focus on football again.”
Edwards may be in the clear as far as New York courts are concerned, but he could potentially face a probation violation in Ohio. At the time of his DWI arrest, Edwards was on probation after he pleaded no contest to misdemeanor aggravated disorderly conduct in Cleveland.
In addition, he may face punishment from the NFL.
Edwards’ lawyer, Peter M. Frankel, said he hoped the league and Cleveland authorities would take into account the player’s extensive charitable activities, including the $1 million in college scholarships he awarded Cleveland students this spring.
Joan E. Vollero, the DA’s deputy director of communication, said the deal Edwards received was consistent with other first time offenders. The DWI is a Class A misdemeanor.
With the potential punishment that lingers, Edwards is balancing the difficulty of not knowing his status with the Jets. Both Edwards and Jet’s receiver Santonio Holmes are free agents this year, which has sparked debate as to whom the team should keep if forced to decide.
“I wouldn’t compare myself against Tone, he’s a friend as well as a teammate,” Edwards said. “He’s a great player, I’m a great player. We offer a lot on the field as well as off. So it’s just a matter of if we can’t get both of them whatever one they want to go with, it’s their call really. If it’s him I wish him nothing but the best.”
