Jets’ rookie TE charged with DWI
Jets rookie tight end Chris Herndon was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated after a car accident early Saturday, the New Jersey State Police confirmed.
Herndon was taken away in handcuffs from the scene of the accident, which occurred on Route 80 West in Rockaway Township, N.J.
New Jersey State Police spokesman Sgt. Lawrence Peele said that Herndon was driving a Nissan Armada and hit and totaled a Toyota FJ-40 Land Cruiser owned by Albert Elliott, 76, of Manalapan, N.J. at 4:45 a.m. Saturday. Elliott was towing another vehicle, which was also destroyed along with the trailer.
Herndon was taken to the State Police barracks in Netcong where he was given a Breathalyzer test, which showed is blood alcohol level was above the legal limit, the spokesman said.
The Jets drafted Herndon in the fourth round of this year’s NFL draft out of the University of Miami. He has a chance to get significant playing time since the Jets are thin at tight end.
“We are aware of the situation and have no further comment at this time,” a Jets spokesman said.
The Miami Herald quoted a source who said Elliott was transporting a railroad car. The source also told the newspaper that Elliott sustained a bruised and gashed arm. The police said only minor injuries were reported at the scene.
Herndon has been participating in the Jets OTA practices, but it was unknown if he practiced Monday.
Herndon is working his way back from a knee injury that ended his 2017 season for the Hurricanes. He underwent surgery to repair the MCL in his left knee after catching 40 passes for 477 yards and four touchdowns last year. Herndon, 22, has been a full participant in the Jets practices the media has been permitted to watch. The Jets have another OTA on Tuesday that is open to the media.
The source close to Elliott told the Herald: “The only thing my friend said was that Herndon left in handcuffs. Herndon’s car hit the trailer, and his car spun around and then hit Al’s car. The motorcar and trailer look like they were put in a blender.’’
Herndon recently signed his rookie contract, which is for four years and worth about $3.1 million.
Peele said the accident remains under investigation.