For the first time since being arrested for DUI in the morning hours after the Tennessee Titans’ Week 11 win over the Green Bay Packers, offensive coordinator Todd Downing broke his silence on the subject on Wednesday.
Downing started off his weekly presser by addressing the situation in a long statement, but noted he couldn’t go into the specifics of the evening in question because of the pending legal process that has to play out.
His statement was as follows (a video clip of his comments can be found below):
“First of all, I’d like to acknowledge how serious this situation is,” Downing said. “I understand what a sensitive and troubling subject this is and I’m not naive to how much pain there may be for some people involved in similar situations.
“I put my family through some things that they don’t deserve,” he continued. “I have an amazing wife and an amazing son who love me unconditionally and I don’t want them to have to endure anything more than what I’ve brought on. It’s devastating that my actions or anything that I’m involved with could ever bring negative attention to, or bring distractions to this organization, to the ownership, Mrs. Amy [Adams Strunk], and to the front office and obviously coach Vrabel.
“I believe in myself as a man and I believe that I will answer the bell to lead this offense going forward. I thank coach Vrabel and Jon Robinson and Mrs. Amy for allowing me the opportunity to lead this offense going into this weekend. And these guys in the locker room, they deserve for me to put my best efforts forth in that.
“Because of the nature of the situation, I know there are a lot of questions, I know people are looking for details and answers. Unfortunately, because of the situation, I’m not able to discuss quite a bit of that evening. At the proper time, when appropriate, I will answer any questions that I can.”
#Titans OC Todd Downing with a long, heartfelt comment on his recent DUI charge. pic.twitter.com/SL2LMSdJ45
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) November 23, 2022
Downing twice declined to address talk of death threats that were reportedly stated in the police affidavit.
— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) November 23, 2022
Reporter to Todd Downing: Is this incident/fall out from it the toughest thing you’ve had to deal with in your career?
“Can’t think of anything tougher.” #Titans
— Ben Arthur (@benyarthur) November 23, 2022
Titans head coach Mike Vrabel has stated that Downing will remain as the team’s offensive coordinator, but that will also depend upon what the legal process and NFL investigation yields.
[lawrence-related id=103168,103108,103126]
[listicle id=103144]