Detroit Lions Make Decision On Player Who Was Arrested This Morning
Yesterday at 09:27 PM
A little over 24 hours ago, safety Brandon Joseph was getting ready for the Detroit Lions to take on the rival Chicago Bears this Sunday. But after an arrest early this morning, he won't be suiting up against the Bears - or any other team for that matter.
On Saturday, the Lions announced a slew of roster moves ahead of Sunday's game against the Bears. Joseph and wide receiver Maurice Alexander were both waived and will not hit waivers while defensive lineman David Bada was waived from reserved/injured with a settlement. Replacing Joseph on the active roster will be fan favorite Ifeatu Melifonwu from the reserve/injured list.
#Lions announce roster moves:
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 21, 2024
Waived S Brandon Joseph and WR Maurice Alexander.
Waived DL David Bada from Reserve/Injured with an Injury Settlement.
Activated S Ifeatu Melifonwu from Reserve/Injured (Remains listed as Questionable on Game Status Report).
Signed OLB…
Joseph was arrested at around 2 a.m. on Saturday for speeding and was taken into custody but was released after a few hours. DHPD director Paul Vanderplow said that Joseph went through various tests and was taken into custody on suspicion of operating a vehicle while under the influence. Vanderplow said that while he was found to be speeding, it wasn't at "excessive speeds."
"He was very compliant, he was very respectful," Vanderplow said. "He went through the battery of tests, through those tests now we have some analysis to go through before charges can be done, as we do with any other suspicion of OUI. He'll go through that process, and then go through the court process like anybody else."
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The team also announced the additions of linebacker Mitchell Agude, wide receiver Tom Kennedy and defensive lineman Chris Smith to the active roster from the practice squad.
#Lions announce roster moves:
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 21, 2024
Waived S Brandon Joseph and WR Maurice Alexander.
Waived DL David Bada from Reserve/Injured with an Injury Settlement.
Activated S Ifeatu Melifonwu from Reserve/Injured (Remains listed as Questionable on Game Status Report).
Signed OLB…
Given that Melifonwu was activated off the reserve/injured list, it seems likely that Joseph would have been the odd man out even if he hadn't been arrested.
But getting arrested the day before an NFL game isn't going to help his chances of finding another team anytime soon.
Joseph went undrafted out of Notre Dame in 2023 and was an All-American at Northwestern in 2020. He signed with the Lions and played in only a few games as a rookie, but 14 games this season. In two seasons with the Lions, Joseph has played in 16 games and has 13 tackles.
