Wrestler Jack Swagger Arrested for DUI

Rising WWE star Jack Swagger was arrested Tuesday, February 19th for driving under the influence and possession of marijuana. Before the beginning of the week, the wrestler’s future had seemed bright, with a potential WrestleMania win and second World Heavyweight Championship in his crosshairs. However, this latest indiscretion is throwing all of that into question.

Details about the incident

Mr. Jack Swagger, real name Jacob Hager, was reportedly leaving a taping of Smackdown in Biloxi, Mississippi on Tuesday night when he was pulled over for driving over the speed limit. Swagger began talking and behaving in an unusual manner that suggested he was in some sort of an altered state, which lead police to believe he was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. As a criminal defense attorney can tell you, a DUI charge is not only for individuals who drive drunk — it is also used if an individual has consumed illicit substances such as marijuana, which it was later determined Swagger had done.

Police then searched Swagger’s car and found marijuana. He was taken in by the local Biloxi Police Department and charged with three misdemeanors: speeding, DUI and possession of marijuana. The former World Heavyweight Champion of the WWE was released on his own recognizance later that night.

Where Swagger’s career goes from here

The WWE said in a statement that Swagger is “responsible for his own actions.” Most analysts believe this means that the WWE does not plan to stand in his corner or protect his brand. Swagger was on track to fight current Heavyweight Champion Alberto Del Rio at Wrestlemania, but precedent suggests that this might not be his year. At best, Swagger will likely be suspended for 30 days. At worst, he could lose his position altogether.