Hines Ward Arrested: Drunk or Just Too Many Head Injuries?

Former Super Bowl MVP, Hines Ward was pulled over last weekend in Atlanta for driving while intoxicated.

The police report that was released this week states that Ward was pulled over because he was not staying in his lane and kept bumping the curb as the police followed him for several minutes.  When the police officer got him out of the car for a sobriety test he reported that Hines Ward “swayed back and forth and was getting agitated while conducting the evaluation.” Ward also reportedly couldn’t keep his balance, walk in a straight line, turn without stumbling, or recite the alphabet without difficulty.

In a statement made by his rep, Andrew Ree, the Steelers player was not under the influence of alcohol; “From our preliminary investigation, we can tell you that we are confident that the facts will show that Hines was NOT impaired by alcohol while driving.”

Maybe Ward’s rep was correct.  After all, the NFL star, like so many others, has had head injuries in the past.  Wide receiver for the Steelers, Hines suffered a concussion last fall, and could be experiencing symptoms related to multiple head injuries.

Many people aren’t aware of the severity that head injuries can cause.  With a concussion the injury to the brain happens when the head either spins rapidly, or moves forward quickly and is stopped fast by something.  A concussion actually causes the brain cells to fire all their neurotransmitters at once, which floods the brain with chemicals that deadens receptors linked to learning and memory. Immediate results usually include confusion, memory loss, nausea, blurred vision, and can also include unconsciousness.

Physicians say that once a person has had a concussion, they are four times more likely to have a second one.  And with each successive concussion it takes less of a blow to cause damage and more time to recover. In some cases the damage can even be permanent. The long-term effects of concussions, whichcan last for weeks, months or even years are dizziness, memory loss, and irritability.

Sound familiar?

The reigning Dancing with the Stars champion was booked into DeKalb County jail at 3:41 a.m. July 9 and was charged with driving under the influence. His bond was set at $1,000 and he paid it and was released the same morning.

Maybe police officers need to be better trained to distinguish the signs of driving under the influence of alcohol and from the signs of prolonged exposure to being a jock.

This guest post is by Edwin, you can follow him on Twitter: @TheCelebutaunt.