JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette was arrested on Thursday afternoon following a traffic stop in Jacksonville for driving with a suspended license. He posted bond and was released 24 minutes later.
According to a police report, Fournette was pulled over near the intersection of St. Johns Bluff Road and Atlantic Boulevard for driving 65 mph in a 45 mph zone. Records show the same officer pulled Fournette over during the summer for driving 85 mph in a 45 mph zone and gave him a written warning.
The suspended license charge stemmed from an unpaid ticket from last November. Fournette was booked into jail and charged with knowingly driving while his license was suspended, Duval County jail logs show. Fournette’s bond was $1,508. He paid that and was released at 3:04 p.m.
News4Jax Jaguars Analyst Mark Brunell released a statement in response to Fournette's arrest.
“Leonard is a guy with such incredible talent, we’ve seen what he can do on the field when he’s healthy and focused. For whatever reasons, he has just struggled with maturity issues. We’ve talked about that before. This latest incident, even though its relatively minor in the grand scheme of things, goes along with the growing up that we’ve talked about. Let’s hope that he uses this as another learning experience.”
The Jaguars also released a statement about the arrest.
“The Jacksonville Jaguars are aware of the situation involving running back Leonard Fournette and are continuing to gather more information. No further comment will be provided at this time.”
Jacksonville defense attorney Gene Nichols, not affiliated with Fournette's case, said people are only issued a minor civil citation if they don't know their license is suspended.
Fournette was cited on Nov. 17, 2018, in Neptune Beach for going 37 mph in a 25-mph zone. The ticket was $204 and he never paid it. Fournette's driver’s license was suspended last month.
While the incident is a relatively minor offense, it doesn't help that Fournette was coming off of a highly disappointing second season in the NFL and criticized for maturity issues.
Fournette played in just eight games last year and rushed for 439 yards and five touchdowns. He was suspended a game for leaving the field to join an altercation during a game at Buffalo and was publicly called out by Tom Coughlin in the final week of the season for his sideline demanor.
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