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So many NFL players have had legal issues and arrests lately and now Joe McKnight from the New York Jets has joined the club. Check out the 5 Fast Facts on McKnight and his arrest in New Jersey.
1. Running Back McKnight Was Busted During a Routine Traffic Stop
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Initially, the NFL player was pulled over after police noticed his Mercedes speeding and changing lanes without using his signal according to TMZ. This occurred in Hanover, New Jersey on July 30th at approximately 11:00 a.m. near the team’s training center. Unfortunately, once pulled over, Officer David Littman ran Joe’s plates and found a lot of reasons to put the running back in cuffs, as Capt. Shawn Waldron tells the story.
2. This All Stems From Traffic Violations
After making all that money at USC, Joe McKnight can't afford to pay his parking tickets?
— Chase Stuart (@fbgchase) August 6, 2013
Pay your tickets, People! McKnight apparently had outstanding warrants for his arrest due to his failing to pay a mere $200 fine from not having proof of insurance on a prior occasion in Summit, New Jersey. The other warrant was from not paying a $120 fine for another routine traffic violation, failing to observe a traffic signal in Springfield. So, all of this mess just for $320.
3. McKnight Was Released From Jail Rather Quickly
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Once arrested and brought to the local police station, McKnight’s bail was set for the sum of his warrants – $320. And so, he was able to pay that with no problem. Maybe if he’d done that in the first place, this whole situation could have been avoided. It’s a good thing McKnight got out right away because he’s been the Jets’ primary kickoff returner for the last two years as the New York Post reports.
4. Fans Are Disappointed in McKnight
Joe McKnight is basically pulling a Costanza and trying to lose his job at this point right?
— Mike Donnelly (@TheMikeDonnelly) August 6, 2013
Granted, this isn’t the first time an NFL player has been caught in a scandal. And, the arrest is over something silly. Nonetheless, his team may say ‘enough is enough’ and make him an example. Let’s hope not for McKnight’s sake.
My disdain for Joe McKnight is quickly getting to Donald Brown's level. #jets
— Chris Spann (@cspanndrum) August 6, 2013
5. McKnight Isn’t the Only Jets Running Back With Police Troubles
Geez, you'd think Joe McKnight would've learned from that whole Mike Goodson mess.
— Ray Santiago (@RaySanti) August 6, 2013
Just a couple months ago in May, teammate Mike Goodson was caught with possession of guns and drugs, but he pled not guilty. Goodson was found asleep in his car on Route 80 when the arrest occurred. As reported by ESPN New York:
Goodson was found carrying a small amount of marijuana, while there was additional marijuana and a loaded .45-caliber semi-automatic handgun in the car. The 25-year-old Goodson was charged with possession of marijuana under 50 grams, possession of paraphernalia, unlawful possession of a loaded handgun and possession of hollow-point bullets.
Bail was set and paid at the price of $50,000 … a lot more than a measly $320.