The Washington Commanders have fired tight ends coach Ben Steele, the team announced Monday. The dismissal comes just days before the Commanders are set to begin training camp for the upcoming NFL season.
Steele, 48, was arrested in early June on charges of driving while intoxicated and refusing a breathalyzer or blood test. Court records indicate he has a hearing scheduled for August 13. The Commanders organization released a brief statement regarding the decision: "We are parting ways with tight ends coach Ben Steele. The team will have no further comment at this time."
Steele joined the Commanders in February after spending the previous three seasons as the tight ends coach for the Arizona Cardinals. He also had a playing career in the NFL as a tight end, appearing for the Green Bay Packers in 2004 and 2005 after entering the league as an undrafted free agent.
A source familiar with the situation told Daily Mail that Steele had informed the team of his arrest and was subsequently placed on administrative leave. During minicamp, Wes Welker reportedly assumed responsibility for the tight ends coach duties. The team stated that they informed the NFL League Office and followed all league protocols.
Head coach Dan Quinn is expected to announce Steele's replacement as early as Tuesday. The Commanders' training camp is scheduled to begin with the first official practice on Wednesday.