Crime & Safety

Jets Assistant Coach Gets DUI In NJ On St. Patrick's Day

State Police pulled over the Jets offensive line coach Thursday night on I-287.

MORRISTOWN, NJ — St. Patrick's Day tends to bring more intoxicated drivers to the roads. One of them was Jets offensive line coach John Benton, according to New Jersey State Police.

Benton was charged with driving under the influence Thursday night in Morristown. Police stopped his Lincoln Navigator just before midnight on Interstate 287, according to State Police Tpr. Brandi Slota. Police suspected Benton, 58, was under the influence and arrested him.

The coach could face discipline from the NFL under the league's personal-conduct policy. The Jets are aware of the arrest but had no further comment, a team spokesperson told northjersey.com.

Find out what's happening in Morristownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The Jets have roots in Morris County, with the team's training facility in Florham Park. Jets coach Robert Saleh hired Benton before last season, as the two worked together with the 49ers, where Saleh served as defensive coordinator.

Benton has coached offensive lines for six different teams since entering the league in 2003 with the Rams.

Find out what's happening in Morristownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

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