(WWJ) A former NFL football player is facing charges, accused of driving drunk and in the wrong direction on the freeway, causing a serious crash.
The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office alleges that 24-year-old cornerback Alexander "Alex" Deonte Brown — who was cut by the Detroit Lions on Sunday — was intoxicated and speeding on the wrong side of I-75, early Sunday morning in Detroit.
At around 2:15 a.m., on southbound I-75 near I-375, Brown crashed head-on into another car, according to police.
A passenger in Brown's car, 23-year-old teammate Charlie Taumoepeau, suffered neck injuries and had to be cut out of the car by firefighters using the Jaws of Life.
The other driver involved, identified as a 27-year-old Detroit man, suffered serious leg injuries, officials said. Both injured men were taken by EMS to a local hospital for treatment.
Brown, a South Carolina resident, is charged with two counts of Operating While Under the Influence (OWI) Causing Serious Injury, and two counts of Reckless Driving Causing Serious Injury.
The Lions released a statement Monday, saying "we are aware of the incident from Sunday morning involving Alex Brown. Brown was waivedfrom the team and Charlie Taumoepeau is receiving proper medical care following injuries sustained from the incident."
"Driving under the influence is a matter we take very seriously. We, as an organization, extend our thoughts and support to the victim and his family during his recovery."
According to a report by MLive, Brown earned a contract with the Lions after a nice showing back in rookie minicamp, but was slowed by an injury in training camp that limited his time on the field.
Brown is scheduled to be arraigned in 36th District Court on Tuesday.
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