NFL teams
Pat McManamon, ESPN Staff Writer 8y

Browns following league protocol in wake of Alvin Bailey's arrest

NFL, Cleveland Browns

BEREA, Ohio -- Coach Hue Jackson said Wednesday that the arrest of guard Alvin Bailey is a league matter.

Bailey was arrested early Monday morning on suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated in suburban Cleveland. He has a Thursday morning court appearance on that and five other charges.

"There will be consequences for it," Jackson said after the Browns prepared for Sunday's game at Washington. "We have to follow league protocol as far as that's concerned. But we'll do what we feel is right."

Will Bailey start for the second game in a row?

"You'll find that out on Sunday," Jackson said.

The coach expressed his unhappiness with the situation in a roundabout way, saying, "It's a league matter. But obviously those kind of things that happen, I'm not very excited about it at all."

Bailey was arrested a few hours after the team landed in Cleveland after its overtime loss in Miami this past Sunday. Bailey had a blood alcohol count of .145, well over the legal limit of .08, online documents show. He will be charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated, speeding, fleeing from the police and driving an unsafe vehicle (cracked windshield). He is also charged with misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia and drug abuse. The latter charges are because the police found what they believed to be marijuana in the car.

The NFL is aware of the incident. Bailey is subject to league discipline under the personal conduct policy and the substance abuse policy.

On the Browns' injury front, cornerback Joe Haden returned to practice for the first time since straining a groin muscle Thursday. He was limited in practice and did not sound optimistic when he met the media before practice.

"Feeling better," Haden said. "Coming along. No timetable, just working with the training staff to try to get back."

The difference in outlook between player and coach was evident when Jackson spoke.

"He was able to practice today on a limited basis," Jackson said. "It was good to have him out there, back running around. We'll see where we are as we go through the week."

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