Most NFL teams have safe rides program

[September 25, 2010]  NEW YORK (AP) -- New York Jets receiver Braylon Edwards could have avoided arrest for driving drunk earlier this week by taking advantage of two programs designed to give NFL players safe rides when they are too impaired to drive.

More than half of the 32 NFL teams, including the Jets, have such programs, which stress confidentiality. The NFL Players Association also has a program, and the league has one for non-players.

The union's round-the-clock program is available in all NFL cities and some additional areas. There are no out-of-pocket fees for players except the cost of the ride.

NFLPA spokesman George Atallah said his organization "wanted to do it for every player. If it overlaps with a team's program, great."

[Associated Press; By BARRY WILNER]

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