Recently Arrested Vincent Jackson Proclaims Innocence, Plans to Play Against Steelers

Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson was arrested early Tuesday morning on suspicion of driving under the influence. It was his second offense -- according to the San Diego Union-Tribune he was driving on probation for a prior DUI -- but this time is different.

You see, he's been framed. Okay, that may be overstating it a tad, but Jackson thinks he was wrongly accused. From a statement he released yesterday afternoon:

"This morning I was stopped by an officer ... I don't think any charges will be filed as a result of the stop. In the event they are, I look forward to clearing my name and proving my innocence."

While we wait for the results of the blood test (Jackson apparently refused a breathalyzer), the Chargers' best deep threat will be on the field against the Steelers for the AFC Divisional playoff game this Sunday. As the Union-Tribune's Kevin Acee writes, "The NFL's collective bargaining agreement gives the league, not teams, authority to punish players for alcohol and substance abuses. Any discipline by the league would be meted out for the 2009 season, several sources said."

Frankly, I have no issue with the decision to let Jackson play. Like i wrote yesterday, not a day goes by that some guy returns to work after spending the night in the can. We just don't hear about it because nobody cares about Travis the forklift operator.

And while I'm not condoning Jackson's decision to (allegedly) drive drunk (Seriously, if he's guilty, he should be forced to cruise the back streets of Phoenix with Sir Charles. There's your community service, buddy.), I'll save the mock incredulity for something more sinister. Like, say, the current state of officiating.