CARLSBAD, Calif. — Former NFL linebacker Junior Seau drove off a seaside cliff and was hospitalized with minor injuries Monday, less than nine hours after he was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence.
The 12-time Pro Bowler’s white Cadillac SUV was found on the beach about 100 feet below the roadside, said Carlsbad police Lt. Kelly Cain. Cain said it wasn’t a sheer cliff but was a significant, rough slope.
Carlsbad police dispatcher Matthew Pinell said late Monday alcohol and drugs are not suspected to be factors in the crash “at this time.”
Seau told investigators he drove off the cliff because he fell asleep.
Cain said the lack of skid marks leading up to where the vehicle plunged off the cliff supported Seau’s statement.
“If you have somebody fall asleep, that’s the kind of exit you will have,” Cain said.
Seau’s 25-year-old live-in girlfriend told authorities Seau assaulted her during an argument Sunday night at his Oceanside home, according to Oceanside police. She appeared to have minor injuries and did not require medical treatment.
Seau, 41, was arrested outside his home about two hours after police arrived. He posted bail and was released from the San Diego County Jail in Vista.
Footnotes.
Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, who hasn’t played since hurting his throwing shoulder in the season opener, is expected to be ready for Detroit’s Oct. 31 game against Washington after a bye week.
• The Giants released place-kicker Shayne Graham after being awarded offensive tackle Jamon Meredith off waivers from Detroit. Lawrence Tynes is expected to resume kicking duties after missing Sunday’s 28-20 win over the Lions because of a sprained ankle.
• The Panthers benched struggling rookie quarterback Jimmy Clausen, turning over the NFL’s worst offense back to Matt Moore.
• The Packers will put tight end Jermichael Finley on injured reserve, ending any hopes of him making a comeback from knee surgery this season.
• Browns defensive end Robaire Smith could be out for the season because of a back injury.
• Vikings starting safety Husain Abdullah is recovering from a head injury and will have to pass the NFL-mandated postconcussion guidelines to return to play.
Denver Post wire services
