Former Mets pitcher Chasen Bradford, who recently joined the Henderson Police Department in Nevada, was arrested for driving under the influence just 24 hours after being sworn in as a probationary officer. The 34-year-old, who spent a year as a reliever for the Mets, now faces a misdemeanor charge.
According to reports citing an arrest report, Bradford was observed swerving and hitting medians while driving his gray Ford pickup truck late at night. Police pulled him over at approximately 10:23 p.m. and conducted field sobriety tests. Initially, Bradford claimed to have consumed only two Coors Light beers, but later admitted to drinking 5 or 6 beers throughout the day.
During the tests, Bradford blew a .104, exceeding the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of .08 in Nevada. Subsequent tests at the Henderson Detention Center showed a .094 and .098 on his second attempt. Following his arrest, Bradford was terminated from the Henderson Police Department, where he had been hired on September 25, 2023.
Bradford, a Las Vegas native and University of Central Florida alum, was drafted by the Mets in 2011. He made his professional debut with the team in 2017, recording two wins and a 3.74 ERA in 28 appearances. After being claimed off waivers by the Seattle Mariners in 2018, he played for them for two seasons before retiring from Major League Baseball in July 2022.
2 Responses
It is disheartening to hear about Chasen Bradford’s arrest for driving under the influence so soon after joining the police department. This incident highlights the need for stricter screening processes and ongoing support for individuals transitioning from professional sports to law enforcement.
One potential solution to prevent such incidents in the future is to implement a comprehensive program that focuses on the mental health and well-being of athletes during their transition into new careers. This program could include mandatory counseling sessions, workshops on stress management and coping mechanisms, and
This incident highlights the importance of conducting thorough background checks and screening processes when hiring individuals for positions of authority, especially in law enforcement. It serves as a reminder that past behavior can be indicative of future actions, and organizations must be diligent in ensuring they are bringing in individuals who are responsible and trustworthy. Additionally, this situation emphasizes the need for ongoing training and support for law enforcement officers to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.