Dunham Law Firm's Austin DWI : Austin DWI Lawyers & Attorneys : Driving While Intoxicated, Sobriety Checkpoints : Travis County

DJ Monroe cleared to play in BCS championship game by Coach Brown.

Did DJ Monroe get cleared because Alabama ranks 117 out of 120 in kick-off return defense?

The Texas Longhorns gained a significant boost in special teams play with the reinstatement of D.J. Monroe. Monroe had been suspended indefinitely for a DWI in Hays County only one month ago. Following a surprisingly quick plea bargain arrangement with the Hayes County District Attorney’s Office, and a meeting with Coach Mack Brown, Monroe found himself back on the team Monday.

Monroe's speed could make a difference in the match up between No. 2 Texas and No. 1 Alabama in the BCS championship game on January 7. He returned a record two kick-offs for touchdowns this season, despite not playing three games due to the Austin area drunk driving charge. Alabama is ranked 117 out of 120 in kick-off return defense and it has allowed two returns for touchdowns during the 2009 season.

Below is the Hays County Sherriff's Department Dashcam video of DJ Monroe performing his field sobriety tests.

See related stories:

• DWI Charges in Hays County Dropped Against UT Player D. J. Monroe
• Longhorn Football Player Arrested for DWI in Austin

• Email This
• Print
• Comments (1)
• Trackbacks
• Share Link

D.J. Monroe expected to return to the Longhorn squad after agreement with the Hays County District Attorney. 

If D.J. Monroe wasn't a football player for UT and the Longhorns weren't headed to the BCS Championship Game, you have to ask the questions:

Would his DWI have been handled this quickly?

Did the BCS Championship Game play a factor in the outcome of his DWI?

Does the Longhorns feel his play is important enough against Alabama?

Given the number of recent DWI arrests of both players and athletic staff, does the Longhorn athletic department have a problem?

In a plea agreement with the Hays County District Attorney, the charges of driving while intoxicated in Hays County against D.J. Monroe have been dropped. He entered a guilty plea to obstruction of a passageway and received deferred adjudication. This opens the door for the University of Texas kick returner to rejoin the football team.

Monroe was arrested for drunk driving in the Austin area last November, shortly after the Longhorn win over Baylor. He was suspended indefinitely by head coach Mack Brown, and missed the final three games of the season. Before that, the freshman had contributed significantly to the Texas special teams, running back a record two kickoff returns for touchdowns. He also averaged over 5 yards per carry as a reserve tailback. Monroe and his parents are expected to meet with Coach Brown to determine if he can rejoin the team.

Second ranked Texas faces number 1 ranked Alabama for the national championship on January 7, 2010. 

See related story: Longhorn Football Player Arrested for DWI in Austin

• Email This
• Print
• Comments (1)
• Trackbacks
• Share Link

Texas Longhorn football player DJ Monroe was stopped in Hays County hours after UT win over Baylor for DWI.
 
D.J. Monroe, a standout freshman player for the University of Texas Longhorns football team, was arrested for driving while intoxicated in Austin, Texas. Monroe was stopped by a Hays County Sheriff’s deputy on Interstate 35 hours after the UT team defeated Baylor University. Monroe was booked at the Hays County jail and released early Sunday after posting $3000 bond.
 

Head coach Mack Brown expressed disappointment in Monroe’s actions and suspended him from the team indefinitely.

Brown said he would review the situation after his DWI has been resolved.

Monroe, 20, is a red-shirt freshman kick returner and occasional running back who has made an impact this season for the 10-0 Texas Longhorns. He has returned two kick-offs for touchdowns, setting a UT record.

• Email This
• Print
• Comments
• Trackbacks
• Share Link