NFL coach abruptly fired before training camp as team posts tense statement on his exit
The Washington Commanders have fired their tight ends coach Ben Steele following a DWI arrest in June.
The NFl team announcing the news in a tense statement on Monday morning, just days before their training camp for the new season begins.
Court records show Steele was arrested in early June for DWI and refusing a blood or breathylzer test and has a hearing scheduled for August 13.
Steele, 48, was only hired by the Commanders back in February and spent the last three years in the same position with the Arizona Cardinals where he worked with Trey McBride, one of the best tight ends in the league.
But the team said Monday: ‘We are parting ways with tight ends coach Ben Steele. The team will have no further comment at this time.’
A source close to the situation told Daily Mail on Monday morning: ‘Steele informed the team following the arrest and was placed on administrative leave.
Ben Steele has been fired by the Washington Commanders after only five months
‘Wes Welker handled the TE Coach responsibilities during minicamp. The team informed the League Office and followed all NFL protocol.’
According to The Athletic, head coach Dan Quinn is expected to announce his replacement as early as Tuesday.
Steele also played in the NFL as a tight end after entering the league undrafted, making appearances for the Green Bay Packers in 2004 and 2005.
The Commanders are back in camp later this week, with the first official practice scheduled for Wednesday.
The team starts the season on September 13 against Philadelphia Eagles.
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