The younger brother of Philadelphia Eagles star Cooper DeJean faces serious legal consequences after being arrested for drink driving in Iowa over the weekend.
Details of the Early Morning Arrest
Beckett DeJean, a 20-year-old defensive back for the University of South Dakota, was taken into custody in the early hours of Sunday morning in Odebolt, Iowa. According to official records from the Ida County Sheriff’s Office, he was charged with operating while intoxicated (OWI) shortly after 1 a.m. and was later released from jail.
The incident reportedly began just before midnight on Saturday when police observed his Chevrolet Malibu failing to maintain its lane. Upon pulling the vehicle over, officers noted a strong smell of alcohol. A subsequent search revealed a case of beer in the backseat, and DeJean admitted to consuming alcohol.
Failed Sobriety Tests and Legal Ramifications
Beckett DeJean was transported to the Sheriff's Office for field sobriety tests, which he failed. His Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) was recorded at .142, a level significantly above Iowa's legal limit of .08. Authorities also reported he had bloodshot, watery eyes, smelled of alcohol, and struggled with balance.
Penalties for this misdemeanour offence in Iowa can include up to 48 hours in jail, a fine of $1,250, and a driver's licence suspension. His booking page did not list an additional charge for underage drinking.
A Grim Weekend for the DeJean Family
The arrest cast a shadow over what was already a disappointing weekend for the DeJean family. Just hours later, his older brother Cooper and the Philadelphia Eagles suffered a crucial playoff defeat to the San Francisco 49ers in front of their home fans.
Beckett, a redshirt freshman, has yet to play in a game for South Dakota. The DeJean brothers include a third sibling, Jaxx, a wide receiver who has committed to the University of Iowa, following in Cooper's footsteps.
Cooper DeJean has become a key player for the Eagles, famously celebrating his 22nd birthday last year with a touchdown from an interception during the team's Super Bowl victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.