Jack Swagger has been arrested for arrested on charges of driving under the influence, possession of marijuana and speeding.
The arrest took place last night, Tuesday, February 19, in Biloxi, Mississippi. According to the Sun Herald, Swagger (born Jake Hager), was pulled over just before midnight just before speeding. The arresting officer then noticed that Swagger was driving under the influence. A search of the vehicle found that he was in possession of marijuana at the time.
All three charges are misdemeanors in Mississippi.
Swagger was later released under his recognizance and will have to appear in court for charges on March 12.
He was in town for Tuesday night’s WWE SmackDown television taping. Programming taped last night will air throughout the week on various WWE programming, with the majority of it airing on Friday night on the SyFy Network for the SmackDown program.
This could not have come at a worse time in the career for Swagger. “The Real American,” as he is nicknamed, just returned from a six-month hiatus a few weeks ago and was immediately pushed up the card as a threat. He enlisted Zeb Coulter (known more famously as Dutch Mantel) as his new manager. The duo just began a Tea Party-style gimmick of bashing immigrants and non-American ideals.
This led to a huge victory in the six-man Elimination Chamber match at the aptly named Elimination Chamber pay per view this past Sunday evening. That victory was to lead to a World Heavyweight Championship match against the Mexican-born World Champion Alberto Del Rio on April 7 at WrestleMania XXIX.
WWE has yet to release a statement through any of their official channels regarding Swagger’s arrest.
However according to WWE’s official Talent Wellness Policy, he could be facing major consequences.
The policy reads, "Any WWE Talent, who is arrested, convicted or who admits to a violation of law relating to use, possession, purchase, sale or distribution of drugs will be in material breach of his/her contract with WWE and subject to immediate dismissal."
Plus, the violation acts the same way an internal company Wellness Policy violation would be administered. The policy says that a positive test for drugs includes a potential fine, suspension or more. This would be Swagger's first Wellness violation.
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