Celebrity scandals happen all the time. Whether movie stars, talented musicians, or awesome sports figures, their arrests make the news sometimes even before they are given their free phone call.  We see them highlighted in news segments, entire shows are dedicated to them and articles such as this one are written about them. Here in Texas, many of us fall into that same wishing well: “if someone else has it bad, especially a celebrity, then that means my life and my mistakes are not so bad.” Maybe we do not phrase it just that way but the truth is, scandal sells no matter what state you are in. Did you know that there were at least four celebrity drug busts in Texas in 2009? All were former professional football players.

Quincy Carter, the former quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, was released after just three years due to unknown reasons, although rumor had it that he failed a drug test. His problems with marijuana did come out after he was signed by the New York Jets and in February, 2009, he was arrested in south Texas for a DWI and for having marijuana, which seems to give the drug problem rumors merit.

Another former Dallas Cowboys’ player, receiver Terry Glenn, was arrested in Irving in January, 2009, for public intoxication and possession of marijuana. Another promising career cut short by drug addiction?

The Dallas Cowboys is not the only team to have drug addiction problems, as Roderick Green proved with his arrest in his hometown of Brentham, Texas. The former Baltimore Raven/SF 49er was arrested in February last year after a routine traffic stop for speeding led to charges of possession of marijuana as well as four other charges.

Former Jaguars wide receiver Reggie Williams was arrested in Houston last February for DUI and possessing marijuana. Another night partying that ended with a traffic stop, a failed sobriety test and the finding of illicit drugs.  All four were talented football players, all four fell under the control of drug addiction and alcohol. 

In Texas, it does not matter if you are a celebrity, a regular working guy, a soccer mom,  a professional football player, or a political big wig.  In Texas, you do not drink and drive and you do not get caught with drugs, because even football players can get the jailhouse blues here.  An autograph and a great arm are not going to help you out with that.