Titans’ Todd Downing addresses DUI charge, calls arrest ‘devastating’

Todd Downing, offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans spoke to the media for the first time since he was arrested and charged with DUI last Thursday.

Downing was arrested following Tennessee’s 27-17 victory Thursday night over the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.

Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Todd Downing on the field before a game against the New York Giants at Nissan Stadium on September 11, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Giants defeated the Titans 21-20.
(Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

«It’s devastating that my actions or anything I’m involved in could draw negative attention or distract this organization, the owner, Miss Amy (Adams Strunk), the front office and obviously Coach (Mike) Vrabel «. Downing said Wednesday.

TITANS’ MIKE VRABEL ADDRESSES DUI ARREST OF COACH TODD DOWNING, REFUSES QUESTIONS ABOUT ALCOHOL ON TEAM PLANE

Downing would not elaborate on the arrest and declined to say whether he drank at the facility or on the team plane.

«I understand how sensitive and concerning this topic is, and I am not naive about how much pain there can be for some people involved in similar situations,» Downing added.

Before the Titans’ matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, Tennessee head coach Mike Vrabel confirmed that Downing would remain the team’s offensive coordinator.

Tennessee Titans Offensive Coordinator Todd Downing chats with Ryan Tannehill, #17, against the Los Angeles Rams during the first quarter at SoFi Stadium No. 7, 2021 in Inglewood, California.

Tennessee Titans Offensive Coordinator Todd Downing chats with Ryan Tannehill, #17, against the Los Angeles Rams during the first quarter at SoFi Stadium No. 7, 2021 in Inglewood, California.
(Harry How/Getty Images)

«We’ll just go with how things were, like Todd, our offensive coordinator,» Vrabel said.

TITANS’ TODD DOWNING WILL REMAIN OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR AFTER DUI ARREST, SAYS MIKE VRABEL

«Now those things can change. I want to make sure everyone understands that anytime we hear from the league or the legal process, those things obviously could change.»

Vrabel told reporters that the organization offers transportation to players and coaches, which Downing said he was aware of, but declined to answer on Wednesday why he did not choose that option.

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«I can’t go into the details of that night,» Downing said.

Following Downing’s arrest, the NFL sent a memo to all teams reminding them of league rules. alcohol policy on team planes.

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Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Todd Downing watches as Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel reviews his game card during the NFL football game between the Tennessee Titans and the Indianapolis Colts on January 31. October 2021, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Todd Downing watches as Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel reviews his game card during the NFL football game between the Tennessee Titans and the Indianapolis Colts on January 31. October 2021, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
(Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

«In light of recent events, clubs are reminded that League policy prohibits alcoholic beverages, including beer, in changing rooms, practice or office facilities, or while traveling on buses or aircraft. from the team at any time during the preseason, regular season or postseason,» the memo read, according to ESPN. «This applies to all players, coaches, club staff and guests traveling with your team.»

The Titans are 7-3 on the season, winning two in a row after a close loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 8.

The Associated Press and Paulina Dedaj of Fox News contributed to this report.

By Mitchell G. Patton

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