Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Jets assistant coach charged with DUI in New Jersey

Police say Jets assistant coach John Benton has been charged with driving under the influence in New Jersey after being pulled over for a vehicle violation

Via AP news wire
Friday 18 March 2022 19:38 EDT
Jets Assistant Coach-DUI
Jets Assistant Coach-DUI (Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Jets assistant coach John Benton was arrested and charged with driving under the influence in New Jersey after being pulled over for a vehicle violation, police said.

Benton was suspected of being under the influence late Thursday while driving a Lincoln Navigator in Morris County, New Jersey State Police Sgt. Alejandro Goez said.

Benton, 58, was released pending a future court date, police said.

A New York Jets spokesperson said "We are aware of the situation and have no further comment.”

It wasn’t immediately clear whether Benton had hired an attorney.

Benton has been an NFL assistant since 2003, when he began his pro career as the St. Louis Rams’ offensive line coach. He has also served as an assistant in Houston, Miami, Jacksonville and San Francisco. Benton came to the Jets last season to join head coach Robert Saleh’s staff after they spent four years coaching together as assistants with the 49ers.

With New York, Benton oversees the Jets’ offensive line and the running game for coordinator Mike LaFleur.

Benton began his coaching career in 1987 at Colorado State, his alma mater, spending 11 years there during two stints. He also was at California University in Pennsylvania for five years.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in