12:10 PM ET
Marcel Louis-JacquesESPN
Buffalo Bills protective take on Ed Oliver stated his arrest in May “didnt feel best” at the time, and it still doesnt sit best with him after all associated charges were dropped last month.
The second-year defensive deal with was detained in Montgomery County, Texas, on May 17 and charged with DWI and unlawful ownership of a firearm after authorities pulled him over under suspicion of impaired driving. Nevertheless, Oliver said the apprehending officers took him in even after he passed a Breathalyzer test.
” Im not exactly sure how you get jailed with absolutely nothing in your system,” Oliver said. “Thats one of the important things [Im speaking about] when I state life can strike you fast– even if youre innocent, you can still go to jail for absolutely nothing. Youve simply got to do what youve got to do. If they say youve got to go to jail, do not withstand, go to jail.
1 Related” Its not right, but it is what it is.”
Oliver, 22, stated he blew a. 00% on his Breathalyzer test May 17, however officers still thought he suffered. He said he took an independent blood test following his arrest and understood he didnt have anything in his system however still had to wait for the legal process to play out.
Before he was able to take that independent test, he was taken to jail, offered a jumpsuit with holes in it and locked in a cell.
He described the feeling as surreal for somebody who has headed out of his method to remain out of legal problem throughout his life.
I felt like, I should not be doing this,” he said. “I didnt work my whole life and walk a straight line my whole life to be put in an one-piece suit and taken to jail.
Oliver said he was “disappointed” when the arresting officer “wasnt comprehending” or “didnt want to understand” that he was tired– not under the influence of any drugs that night. The experience also allowed him to assess just how unstable interactions with the cops can be.
Eight days after his arrest, George Floyd passed away at the hands of Minneapolis law enforcement officer while being arrested for presumably utilizing a counterfeit $20 expense. Seeing the video of Floyds killing and the widespread outrage afterward advised Oliver why he remained considerate and polite throughout the process.
” It truly puts things into perspective, like, that might have been me,” he said. “If I didnt just yes sir, no sir and simply comply– all it took was for me to move the incorrect way or do something the incorrect method which could have been me. It was tough, however after that, it still worked out and everything.
” It just put it in viewpoint like, youve got to slow down and youve got to see your surrounding and things like that and try to keep yourself out of situations like that, because life is real and life comes at you quickly. I was on my way to your house, I wasnt expecting to get arrested. You never ever understand, you can be doing anything and life might just strike you.”
Oliver said he was released from jail Sunday after being arrested late Saturday night. He then resolved his teammates Monday.
The responses were mixed.
” Im not sure how you get arrested with nothing in your system,” Oliver said. If they say youve got to go to prison, do not withstand, go to jail.
I felt like, I shouldnt be doing this,” he stated.” It actually puts things into perspective, like, that could have been me,” he said.” I simply ran it to them, generally what occurred,” he said.
” I just ran it to them, essentially what happened,” he said. I felt like I was guilty up until proven innocent, not innocent till tested guilty.
” I seem like a few of the people thought me, some of the men thought it might be more to it. I just told them the fact.”
When his charges were dropped July 22, the team released a statement in support of Oliver.
Oliver was the ninth total choice of the 2019 NFL draft and was among the Bills key defenders as a rookie, recording 43 takes on and five sacks. He projects to be among the centerpieces of Buffalos protective line in 2020 as well.
