Bears Football Player Charged with Texas BWI

Running back Cedric Benson arrested for boating while intoxicated near Austin, Texas.

Cedric Benson was charged with boating while intoxicated in Texas after a Saturday evening incident on Lake Travis, west of Austin. Police with the Lower Colorado River Authority were conducting a random safety inspection when it came upon Benson’s 37-foot yacht. Benson reportedly failed a ‘float test’, a version of the field sobriety test, refused to put on a life jacket as required by law, and argued with police about taking a follow up sobriety test on land.

When police attempted to arrest Benson for Texas BWI he reportedly refused to cooperate and officers used pepper spray. Benson was booked at Travis County Jail around 11:30 pm Saturday and he was released Sunday morning on $14,500 bail.

Boating while intoxicated carries the same penalties as driving while intoxicated in Texas. While he acknowledges alcohol was on the boat, Benson denies being drunk or resisting arrest.

Benson played football for the University of Texas at Austin and is currently a player for the NFL Chicago Bears. Injuries have limited his productivity in his first three seasons with the Bears. A spokesperson for the NFL and a representative for the Bears both said they are aware of the situation and are investigating.

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