Report: Former Lions CB Alex Brown facing 4 charges after allegedly driving intoxicated, injuring teammate

Over the past 48 hours, two Detroit Lions players were cut for reasons that may not have anything to do with football.

According to Justin Rogers of The Detroit News, cornerback Alex Brown is being charged by police after getting into a non-fatal car accident at 2 a.m. early Sunday morning after driving on the wrong side of the freeway. Per Rogers, Brown’s passenger was former Lions tight end Charlie Taumoepeau. Brown is facing four charges, and Taumoepeau has reportedly suffered significant injuries in the accident.

The Lions waived Brown just hours later on Sunday afternoon, ending his chances of making the team this year. Taumoepeau was waived with a non-football injury designation on Monday afternoon. It’s possible he’ll return to the team on their injured-reserve list if he clears waivers in the next 24 hours.

Both Brown and Taumoepeau had significant playing time in Friday’s preseason game against the Buffalo Bills and had an opportunity to make the Lions’ final roster. But with the team having to cut down to 85 players by Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, it appears some allegedly poor decisions made Dan Campbell’s job a little easier.

UPDATE: Per Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, Taumoepeau is okay and is expected to make a “complete recovery,” but is suffering from broken ribs.

UPDATE 2: This story from MLive is reportedly detailing the crash from Sunday morning. In it, the report says both the passenger (Taumoepeau) and the other driver were in critical condition. Brown was arrested at the scene.

UPDATE 3: The Lions have released the following statement:

“We are aware of the situation from Sunday morning involving Alex Brown. Alex was waived from the team Sunday afternoon 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.”