Former Texas Longhorns defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat, renowned as the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year last season, encountered legal trouble in Austin, Texas, on Sunday. Multiple reports confirm that Sweat was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated.
The Outland Trophy recipient and unanimous first-team All-American found himself booked into Travis County Jail at 2:12 p.m. CT on Sunday. Following the arrest, Sweat posted a $3,000 bond and was subsequently released.
In the state of Texas, driving while intoxicated constitutes a Class B misdemeanor, as indicated by various sources.
KXAN-TV in Austin aired footage of Sweat’s departure from jail. The video depicted the player leaving with a towel draped over his head and a mask concealing part of his face. When approached for comment, Sweat remained silent, with an attorney accompanying him asserting, “we’re not talking about the incident.”
The timing of Sweat’s arrest is particularly noteworthy, coming less than three weeks before the commencement of the NFL Draft. Standing at an imposing 6-foot-4 and weighing 366 pounds, Sweat is anticipated to be among the foremost defensive tackles selected and could potentially secure a first-round pick.
In the previous season, Sweat showcased his prowess on the field, tallying 45 tackles, including eight for a loss, and two sacks. Notably, he also demonstrated versatility by securing a touchdown pass.
Throughout his tenure with the Longhorns, Sweat amassed impressive statistics, registering 128 tackles, with 17.5 tackles for a loss, and accumulating 5.0 sacks across 62 games spanning five seasons.
The NFL Draft is slated to take place from April 25-27 in Detroit. Sweat’s arrest casts a shadow over his promising football career, serving as a reminder of the importance of responsible behavior both on and off the field.
