Washington Commanders fire tight ends coach Ben Steele after DWI arrest
by Alex Butler · UPIJuly 27 (UPI) -- The Washington Commanders fired tight ends coach Ben Steele after he was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated in Virginia, the team announced Monday.
Loudon general district court records show that Steele was pulled over for a traffic infraction of changing course after signal on June 7. He faces a charge of obstruction/resisting without force, in addition to refusing a blood/breath test and driving while intoxicated. All three charges are class 1 misdemeanors.
Steele, who was released shortly after his arrest, had an arraignment continued July 16. His next court date is Aug. 13.
A source familiar with the situation told UPI that the Commanders, who initially placed Steele on leave, reported the matter to the league. He was later fired for violating team policy.
The Commanders hired Steele as their tight ends coach in February. He previously worked as the tight ends coach for the Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Steele also worked for the Denver Broncos and Minnesota Vikings, in addition to serving on collegiate staffs of Colorado, Cal and UC Davis.
Wes Welker, an offensive assistant for the Commanders, coached their tight ends during June's mandatory minicamp.
Commanders veterans will report to training camp Tuesday in Ashburn, Va. They will open their preseason campaign against the Miami Dolphins on Aug. 14 in Landover, Md.