Just as the Detroit Lions were beginning to feel optimistic about their future, it appears that one of the key members of the organization decided to celebrate the looming success prematurely.
And excessively. Allegedly.
Tom Leyden of WXYZ-TV reports that Lions president Tom Lewand has been arrested for suspicion of drunk driving. Per Leyden, Lewand has issued the following statement: “I am deeply sorry for my actions and take full responsibility for them. As a person in active recovery, I am committed to taking all necessary steps to insure [sic] nothing like this ever happens again.”
We appreciate Lewand’s decision to own up to the situation, but it hardly justifies his actions. At a time when the NFL is trying to get players not to drive drunk -- by among other things providing alternative means for getting home after having too much to drink -- the folks at the top of an organization need to set the right example.
And so all eyes will be on the league office. Though we wish Lewand the best as he continues what he has described as “active recovery,” the NFL can’t drop the hammer on players and then do nothing when team presidents run afoul of the Personal Conduct Policy, and the law.
