As the San Diego Chargers prepared to face the Pittsburgh Steelers in the divisional round of the 2008 playoffs, receiver Vincent Jackson was arrested for DUI.
A year later, the case is still pending, as Brent Schrotenboer of the San Diego Union-Tribune recently pointed out.
And because Jackson has yet to plead guilty to or be convicted of the alleged crime, the league’s procedure for suspending Jackson has not yet initiated. Which has allowed Jackson to avoid missing any time.
As a result, Jackson has played every game this season, and he has caught 68 passes for 1,167 yards and nine touchdowns.
The delay has arisen in part from the maneuverings of Jackson’s lawyer, who has obtained multiple continuances of the case.
Still, with Jackson heading for restricted free agency, Jackson’s interests would be better served to have this one behind him. Moving forward, it’ll likely be a factor in the magnitude of any offers he receives, from the Chargers or any other teams.