- Franklin Police have officially released the bodycam footage from former NFL quarterback Jay Cutler’s DUI arrest, which occurred in October 2024.
- The video reveals Cutler initially denying he had consumed alcohol before admitting to having “a little bit” when questioned by officers at the scene of the crash.
- This release comes after Cutler accepted a plea deal in August, pleading guilty to DUI, which resulted in a fine, a revoked license, and a four-day jail sentence.
- Despite the criminal case being closed, Cutler still faces a pending civil lawsuit from the driver of the vehicle he rear-ended.
Franklin Police Unveil Jay Cutler’s DUI Arrest Footage
More than a year after the initial incident, the Franklin Police Department has released the long-awaited video footage of former NFL and Vanderbilt University quarterback Jay Cutler’s DUI arrest. The video was made public following a records request by The Tennessean after Cutler’s criminal case was officially closed through a plea agreement this past August.
What the Arrest Video Reveals
The footage captures the immediate aftermath of the October 2024 crash, where Cutler had rear-ended a GMC vehicle. When officers arrive and begin assessing the situation, Cutler is the first to speak, asking, “what damage?” after police suggest taking pictures.
An officer then directly asks the former football star, “How much alcohol have you had today?”
Cutler’s initial response is, “had none.” However, the officer presses the question again. After a brief pause, Cutler changes his story, admitting he’d had “a little bit.”
Shortly after this exchange, he is placed under arrest for driving under the influence. The video shows a quiet Cutler being escorted to the police vehicle, where an officer turns on the air conditioning for him before the footage ends.
Legal Ramifications and Plea Deal
The arrest led to multiple charges against Cutler, including driving under the influence, failure to exercise due care, implied consent, and possession of a handgun. Court documents revealed he had a rifle in the backseat and a loaded Glock in the center console. An affidavit also stated that Cutler had offered the other driver cash to let him leave the scene.
Details of the Agreement
As part of his August plea deal, the weapons possession charge was dropped. Cutler pleaded guilty to the DUI and accepted the consequences, which included:
- A $350 fine
- Forfeiture of his gun
- Revocation of his Tennessee driver’s license
- A four-day jail sentence
Cutler served only two and a half days of his four-day sentence before being released from the Williamson County jail, with the Sheriff’s Office providing no public explanation for the early release.
Civil Lawsuit Still Pending
While the criminal case has concluded, Cutler’s legal troubles are not entirely behind him. The driver of the GMC he struck has filed a civil lawsuit seeking damages for pain and suffering resulting from the collision. That case remains pending in Williamson County Circuit Court.
Image Referance: https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/franklin-police-release-video-ex-143430493.html