Cleveland Browns draft pick Armonty Bryant was charged Monday with driving under the influence of alcohol, according to the Associated Press. Bryant was arrested Friday in Ada, Okla., according to a police report obtained by The AP.
He was charged in Pontotoc County District Court and a court appearance was scheduled for Tuesday. According to an arrest affidavit, Bryant was stopped early Friday near the East Central University football stadium, the home of his Division II college team.
His blood-alcohol level was 0.098 percent; the legal limit in Oklahoma is 0.08. The Browns drafted Bryant in April despite a history of legal issues.
Bryant was charged with felony marijuana distribution in a school zone. The defensive end pleaded no contest.
After Cleveland selected Bryant with the 217th overall pick, first-year coach Rob Chudzinski said the Browns believed he is "past the mistakes that he has made and ready to move on."
"Through the course of looking into his background with coach Cullen out there, as well as our scouting staff, we felt like he is past the mistakes that he's made and ready to move on,'' Chudzinski said. "He's matured.''
Bryant spoke to the Cleveland media in an introductory press conference after being drafted. The defensive end defended his past and claims his past mistakes were in the past.
"Good people make mistakes, is something that I've always been told by my head coach,'' Bryant said. "I feel like it was just a stupid move on my part. I should have been more mature about the situation and be more focused on football, which is something I really want to do with my life. Now that I've gotten that second chance, I feel like I won't let anyone down. I won't let myself, the people around me or the Cleveland Browns down. I appreciate them for taking this chance on me."
Following Bryant's arrest, the Browns said in a statement that they are "collecting more information" and are aware of the situation. Bryant is scheduled to take part in rookie minicamp beginning Friday in Berea.
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