According to ABC 7 News, Indianapolis Colts linebacker D’Qwell Jackson was arrested last night for allegedly punching a pizza delivery boy in the face and head in Washington, D.C., over a parking spot:
"“Sources confirm Jackson was arrested and issued a citation for allegedly punching a pizza delivery in the face and in the back of the head over a parking spot.The 31-year-old pizza delivery employee told police he said to Jackson that he was going to use the space momentarily, but Jackson allegedly got upset and told the driver to get the “expletive” out of his parking space before punching the driver in his face and on the back of his head.”"
It marks just the latest incident in what has been a disturbing offseason for Colts linebackers already. First, Josh McNary was formally charged with rape, then Andrew Jackson was arrested for a DUI in Kentucky, and now, D’Qwell Jackson has been arrested for assault.
The 31-year old inside linebacker had been highly regarded as one of the veteran leaders of the Colts defense this past season, and this seems like an uncharacteristically troubling act from the 9-year veteran. Jackson led the Colts with 140 tackles on the season, but his biggest play of the season was his AFC Championship game interception that let to the “Deflate-Gate” controversy against the New England Patriots.
For an organization like the Colts that preaches having high character individuals, it’s already been an offseason that’s been littered with off-the-field transgressions, and we’re only in early February. The team may need to start to re-evaluate just who they’re bringing into this organization, and whether they represent the type of player that represents a high character organization like the Colts.
For their linebackers, it raises a lot of red flags, as they’ve already had 3 players in trouble with the law this offseason as mentioned. Hopefully, this isn’t a sign of further things to come.
UPDATE: According to the Indianapolis Star’s Stephen Holder, the Indianapolis Colts have issued a preliminary statement:
"“The Indianapolis Colts have been made aware that D’Qwell Jackson was charged yesterday in Washington, D.C., with a count of simple assault. When the club learns more of the surrounding facts, it will make an appropriate statement.”"
Jan 18, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker D’Qwell Jackson (52) runs the ball after an interception during the second quarter against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports