Cleveland Browns DE Lonnie Phelps charged with DUI after crashing car into restaurant

Browns defensive end Lonnie Phelps was arrested in Key West, Florida on Wednesday night after police said he crashed his SUV into a restaurant.

UPDATE: Cleveland waived Lonnie Phelps, hours after news broke that he defender was arrested in Key West.

The Browns announced the news via social media. “We’ve waived DE Lonnie Phelps,” the statement said.

We've waived DE Lonnie Phelps

📰 » https://t.co/ydEYkQM3y7 pic.twitter.com/1OlM22tpg5

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) June 20, 2024

EARLIER: The Browns issued a statement in regards to Phelps’ arrest, saying, “We are aware of the incident, gathering more information and have no further comment at this time.”

Local news in Florida published Phelps’ mug shot after his arrest and snapped photos of the damage done to the restaurant.

NFL PLAYER ARRESTED: Cleveland Browns player Lonnie Phelps Jr. arrested for DUI after crashing SUV into Key West restaurant, police say
https://t.co/skWoVGOt1Z

— WSVN 7 News (@wsvn) June 20, 2024

The owner of the building, which housed the Red Shoe Island Bistro in Key West. told police that he believes Phelps caused $300,000 in damage to his business. The police report said that Phelps refused to cooperate with officers. He also declined to take a breath test for alcohol. Fortunately, the restaurant wasn’t open.

Phelps starred for the Kansas Jayhawks. He went undrafted in 2023. The Browns signed him as an undrafted free agent. He made the team for his rookie season, but did not play in a game. He was on the practice squad for the season.

The Browns signed Phelps to a reserve/future contract when the 2023 season ended.

Phelps, who is from Cincinnati, first played for Miami (Ohio) from 2019 to 2021. He transferred to Kansas in 2022. Overall, he posted 23 sacks with 29.5 tackles for loss in his 41 collegiate games.