Ex-Giant in cop clash on Florida road
Former Giants defensive tackle Barry Cofield was warned by cops to get out of his car or they would shoot after he was pulled over in Florida last year, a new video shows.
Sheriff’s deputies in Lake Mary, Fla., had their guns drawn when they ordered Cofield (photo) out of his Cadillac Escalade last July.
“Get out of the car!” one of the officers screamed at Cofield, the video from TMZ shows. “Get out of the car now! Get out of the car! Get out of the car, or we’ll shoot! Get out of the car now!”
Cofield, 34, a mainstay of the 2007 Super Bowl championship team, had pulled off the road and was sleeping in his car behind the wheel when officers roused him. Cofield sped off, sideswiping one car before ramming into a police vehicle that attempted to block the SUV near a gate in the upscale Steeple Chase section after the early-morning chase.
After cops started smashing in the window, Cofield finally opened the door, and the 6foot, 4-inch 250-pound retired player followed commands to get on the ground. After a search, cops found a wad of cash and a small bag of heroin, authorities said.
Cofield’s breath also smelled of alcohol, but he refused a field sobriety test, authorities said.
The ex-Giant reached a deal with prosecutors last week in which he pleaded no contest to heroin possession and DUI causing damage. It will potentially allow him to avoid prison time.
Cofield, a 10-year NFL vet, retired after the 2015 season.