The Detroit Lions waived second-year safety Brandon Joseph on Saturday, just hours after his arrest on suspicion of operating under the influence.
Joseph was taken into custody at 1:47 a.m. Saturday in Dearborn Heights, Michigan, as confirmed by police to ESPN. Officers reported observing him driving at an excessive speed, and during a traffic stop, they detected signs of alcohol consumption. Preliminary tests were conducted based on reasonable suspicion, leading to his arrest and detention before being released about six hours later.
The Lions subsequently waived Joseph on Saturday afternoon, just a day before their away game against the Chicago Bears.
“He was very cooperative, he was compliant,” said Paul Vanderplow, director of the Dearborn Heights Police Department, to ESPN. “We had reasonable suspicion and probable cause to investigate him for operating under the influence. He subjected himself to all required tests. We are waiting for the results of those tests before any additional charges are even filed.”
The Lions chose not to comment on the situation.
Joseph, 23, joined the Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2023. This season, he appeared in 14 games, recording 13 tackles and one pass defended. He has also spent time on the Lions’ practice squad over the past two years.
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