Sports
Body cam footage released of Saints’ Chris Olave arrest
By CM Chaney · October 25, 2023
In brief…
- New Orleans Saints star Chris Olave was arrested for reckless operation of a motor vehicle in Kenner, Louisiana, allegedly driving 70 mph in a 35 mph zone.
- Body camera footage captured Olave's attempt to use his NFL status.
- Despite his plea, Olave did not resist arrest and was cooperative with law enforcement.
- The Saints have not yet issued a statement regarding Olave's arrest or any potential team-related consequences.
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave found himself in hot water when he was arrested on Monday night in Kenner, Louisiana, on suspicion of reckless operation of a motor vehicle.
The incident, which occurred about 15 miles west of New Orleans, involved Olave allegedly speeding at 70 mph in a 35 mph zone.
The Kenner police department has released body camera footage of the arrest, capturing a noteworthy exchange between the officer and the NFL star.
In the video, the arresting officer can be seen placing Olave in handcuffs and informing him of the speeding violation. Initially, Olave seemed remorseful.
“That’s on me,” he said. “I was just trying to get home.”
However, things took a turn when he tried to use his NFL status as leverage.
“My bad, dawg. I play for the Saints, man,” Olave said.
But the officer’s response was far from sympathetic, simply asking, “And?”
Despite Olave’s attempt to invoke his football career, he did not resist arrest and cooperated with law enforcement, according to multiple media outlets.
He was expected to be processed and released from jail the same night.
The New Orleans Saints have not issued a statement regarding Olave’s arrest or whether he might face any disciplinary action from the team.
The wide receiver, who was drafted in the eleventh overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, is in his second season in the NFL.
He had an impressive performance in his rookie season, with 72 catches for 1,042 yards and four touchdowns.
This season, Olave has continued to be a prominent figure in the Saints’ offense, leading the team with 471 yards and one touchdown from 39 catches. In his most recent game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, he secured seven catches for 57 yards.
The Saints (3-4) are scheduled to face the Indianapolis Colts (3-4) on Sunday. However, it remains uncertain whether Olave will be joining the team for the matchup.