(Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports)
Before the dust could settle from Aaron Rodgers’ inexplicable absence, the New York Jets found themselves in deeper trouble. Early Sunday morning, Jets cornerback Tae Hayes was arrested on marijuana possession charges. NFL Nation reporter Rich Cimini broke the news on X, stating that the Trinity Police Department detained Hayes in Alabama.
The police apprehended him in Morgan County at 3:46 a.m. and released him at 5:07 a.m. on a $300 bond. Possession of marijuana for personal use is a second-degree offense, carrying a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a $6,000 fine.
A Jets spokesman said the team is aware of the situation and will refrain from further comment, as it is a pending legal matter, according to Cimini. The severity of the situation and the action taken against Hayes are still unknown, but this report further underscores Hayes’ challenging journey on NFL rosters.
Hayes Stormy NFL Career
Hayes’ career has taken an unusual path. Several organizations signed him, but most ultimately decided to waive him. Before the 2019 season started, the Jacksonville Jaguars initially signed the 26-year-old as an undrafted free agent (UDFA), but they cut him. However, the team retained him on the practice squad and later promoted him to the active roster to replace WR Marqise Lee, only to waive him again in December 2019.
The Miami Dolphins claimed Hayes immediately but released him in 2020 after he played only two games for them.
The Minnesota Vikings picked up Hayes in December 2020, but surprisingly released him shortly afterwards.
The Arizona Cardinals then picked him up, only to release him a few months later. After struggling to establish himself in the NFL, Hayes subsequently decided to join the Birmingham Stallions of the UFL. There, he was selected with the second pick of the ninth round.
Hayes helped the Stallions capture their first UFL championship before joining the Carolina Panthers for training camp in 2022. However, the Panthers released him and he joined the New England Patriots, playing in only two games.
The Detroit Lions signed Hayes after he departed from the Patriots but waived him just one week later. The Baltimore Ravens then claimed him toward the end of the preseason. After spending the first month of the season on the Ravens’ practice squad, Hayes signed with the Jets. Now, he has been arrested for marijuana possession.
Legal Issues and What’s Next
It remains uncertain whether Hayes will face internal disciplinary action. His situation raises an age-old question: should a player be severely punished for using marijuana?
Source: Rich Cimini
