After retiring from the NFL following the 2017 season, Jay Cutler appeared to be embarking on a promising sports media career but now seems to be taking a hiatus.
Still, the former Pro Bowl quarterback found his name in the headlines on Friday after reportedly being arrested in Franklin, Tennessee, on drunk driving and gun charges.
According to TMZ Sports, Cutler was arrested following a traffic incident and subsequently charged with DUI. He was also reportedly charged with failure to exercise due care, violation of implied consent law and possession of a handgun while under the influence.
Per the outlet, the incident occurred when the 41-year-old allegedly rear-ended another vehicle. Upon arriving, officers say they noticed a strong smell of alcohol emanating from Cutler, who they also said had bloodshot eyes and was slurring his words.
The former Vanderbilt star reportedly refused to take field sobriety tests before being taken to a hospital to get a blood sample. He was booked into the Williamson County Jail before posting a $5,000 bond on Thursday night.
It was just one year ago that Cutler appeared poised for big things in the NFL media space, joining a revamped cast for Inside the NFL while previously gaining traction — and generating controversy — via his Uncut with Jay Cutler podcast. The 2008 Pro Bowl selection had also famously reached an agreement to become an analyst for Fox, but backed out of the deal to play the final season of his NFL career with the Miami Dolphins in 2017.
Cutler’s resurgence in the media, however, seemingly hit a road block this year as he was replaced on Inside the NFL, while Uncut with Jay Cutler hasn’t dropped a new episode in more than two years. It’s unclear whether he has any plans to reenter the media in the near future, although he certainly has bigger problems on his hands at this time.
[TMZ]
About Ben Axelrod
Ben Axelrod is a veteran of the sports media landscape, having most recently worked for NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he covered Ohio State football and the Big Ten for outlets including Cox Media Group, Bleacher Report, Scout and Rivals.