First the Washington Commanders, now the Tennessee Titans: After two alcohol incidents including an arrest, the NFL reacts. All teams will receive a written warning.

Munich – The NFL has sent out a warning to the 32 teams: The day after Titans OC Todd Downing was arrested, the league reminded them of its strict alcohol policy and the consequences for violating it.

Downing had been pulled over for speeding after the Tennessee Titans’ 27-17 win at the Green Bay Packers while still returning home Friday night, and was subsequently arrested for DUI as well. He was released on bail.

The Washington Commanders also celebrated

The Washington Commanders had also been celebrating their win at the previously unbeaten Philadelphia Eagles. Quarterback Taylor Heinicke, for example, can be seen on videos on the plane with cans of beer. The Commanders have taken disciplinary action, so the league will not intervene further.

The boy Taylor Heinicke rocking the chains and drinking a Busch Light after the big win. LEGEND pic.twitter.com/kgN8DClRQu

– Bussin’ With The Boys (@BussinWTB) November 15, 2022

Despite this, in light of recent events, she reminded teams “that League policy prohibits alcoholic beverages, including beer, in the locker rooms, practice or office areas, or while traveling on buses or planes at any time during the Preseason, Regular Season or Postseason.”

Each team should ensure that alcohol is not served at any time and should also take appropriate steps to ensure that alcohol is not available at their facility, the memo states.

Significant and unnecessary risks

Because providing alcohol in team facilities or while travelling poses significant and unnecessary risks to the league, players, coaches and others, the league stressed: “Violations of this important policy will be taken seriously and will result in significant disciplinary action.”

How are the Titans handling the Downing arrest? What happened is currently being processed, Head Coach Mike Vrabel explained. He wouldn’t say much more about the status quo, or what a punishment might look like.

“I don’t think we’re ready to comment on what it might look like. We just remind everybody that the decisions we have to make have to be good ones, and we’ll continue to have conversations with the league and internally as well,” Vrabel said.