Cleveland Browns defensive end Lonnie Phelps is currently facing DUI charges after being arrested Wednesday night in Key West, Florida, following a crash, according to the Key West Police Department. Consequentially, the Browns have released him from the roster.
According to the police report, officers responded to the Red Shoe Island Bistro, a restaurant that an SUV had driven into around 9:47 p.m. The officer alleged Phelps, who was later identified as the driver of the vehicle, was slurring his speech and smelled of alcohol.
Police said they attempted to conduct field sobriety tests, but Phelps was non-cooperative and was placed under arrest. Police said he refused a breathalyzer test while under observation but "found probable cause Phelps was operating motor vehicle under influence or alcohol and/or drugs to the extent that his normal faculties were impaired and while impaired, Phelps caused a crash with property damage."
Phelps has been charged with one count of DUI with damage to property or person, a misdemeanor.
Prior to Phelps being waived, a Browns spokesperson said the team was aware of the incident and were looking into it.
"We are aware of the incident, gathering more information and have no further comment at this time," they said.
The 23-year-old Cincinnati native, who played college football at Kansas and Miami (Ohio), signed with the Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2023 and signed to the practice squad last fall after being waived. The Browns had signed Phelps to a reserves/future contract earlier this year.
