Posted by Sabrina B. @gametimegirl
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carolina Panthers receiver Dwayne Jarrett has been arrested on a charge of driving while impaired for the second time in less than three years, authorities said.
The Panthers released Jarrett on Tuesday afternoon, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.
Jarrett was pulled over on Interstate 77 in Charlotte for speeding shortly before 2 a.m. ET Tuesday, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police spokesman Bob Fey said. Fey said Jarrett declined to take a breath test to determine his blood-alcohol content, and results of the ensuing blood test won’t be known for several weeks.
The 24-year-old player was released on $2,000 bond. Jarrett’s first court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, according to Mecklenburg County District Court spokesman Charles Keller.
“We are aware and gathering more information,” Panthers spokesman Charlie Dayton said, declining further comment.
It wasn’t immediately clear if Jarrett had hired an attorney. His agent, Drew Rosenhaus, didn’t immediately return a message seeking comment.
Jarrett had a disappointing four seasons in Carolina that included just 35 catches and one touchdown.
The Panthers chose the Southern California star in the second round of the 2007 draft and released Keyshawn Johnson days later, convinced the 6-foot-4 Jarrett would become a starter opposite Steve Smith after setting a Pac-10 career record with 41 touchdown catches.
But Jarrett had trouble learning the playbook and adjusting to the NFL. After a rookie season spent mostly on the inactive list, Jarrett was arrested in March 2008 in a Charlotte suburb after police say he crossed the center line and ran a red light. The police report said Jarrett’s blood-alcohol level was .12, above North Carolina’s legal limit of .08.
Jarrett pleaded guilty to driving while impaired three months later, was fined $420 and ordered to perform community service.
Jarrett played in just nine games in 2008 and caught 10 passes. Last year, he caught a career-best 17 catches and scored his first NFL touchdown in the season finale.
He came to training camp this year with a starting job his to lose after Carolina decided against re-signing Muhsin Muhammad. But Jarrett was beaten out by rookies Brandon LaFell and David Gettis.
Jarrett, who has two catches and 40 yards, was expected to play a role in Sunday’s game against Chicago because Smith likely will be sidelined with a sprained left ankle.
-ESPN
