New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave was arrested on Monday night in Kenner, Louisiana, on suspicion of reckless operation of a motor vehicle. The 23-year-old was allegedly driving 35 mph over the posted 35 mph speed limit, according to a spokesman for the Kenner Police Department.
Olave cooperated with the police
The police spokesman said that Olave was cooperative with the officers and did not resist arrest. He was processed at Kenner City Jail and released later that night. The spokesman did not provide any details on why Olave was driving so fast or where he was heading.
Olave is a second-year player who was drafted by the Saints in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft out of Ohio State. He is the team’s leading receiver this season with 39 catches for 471 yards and one touchdown.
Saints are aware of the situation
The Saints issued a statement on Tuesday morning saying that they are aware of the situation and are gathering more information. They did not comment on Olave’s status for their upcoming game against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.
The NFL has a personal conduct policy that applies to all players, coaches, and staff members. The policy states that “it is not enough simply to avoid being found guilty of a crime. Instead, as an employee of the NFL or a member club, you are held to a higher standard and expected to conduct yourself in a way that is responsible, promotes the values upon which the league is based, and is lawful.”
The policy also says that “persons who fail to live up to this standard of conduct are guilty of conduct detrimental and subject to discipline, even where the conduct itself does not result in conviction of a crime.”
Reckless operation of a motor vehicle is a misdemeanor in Louisiana
According to Louisiana state law, reckless operation of a motor vehicle is defined as any actions while driving that are “criminally negligent or reckless manner.” The penalty for the first offense is a fine of not more than $200, or imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or both. For subsequent offenses, the fine ranges from $25 to $500, or imprisonment from 10 days to six months, or both.
Reckless operation of a motor vehicle is a misdemeanor in Louisiana, which means that it is not considered a serious crime. However, it could still have negative consequences for Olave’s reputation and career.
