Saints WR Chris Olave told arresting officer 'I play for the Saints' during traffic stop
The New Orleans Saints are coming off a two-game losing streak, and now they have a legal situation with one of their best players.
Receiver Chris Olave, the team's first-round pick in 2022, was arrested Monday for reckless operation of a motor vehicle, according to Nick Underhill of NOF Network. Olave was going 35 mph over the posted speed limit, Underhill said.
TMZ obtained the footage of the arrest, and Olave could be heard saying, "I play for the Saints, man." The arresting officer responded, "And?" ESPN's Kat Terrell confirmed the report and said Olave was in Kenner, Louisiana, and was expected to be released Monday night or early Tuesday morning.
According to a news release from Kenner police: They were running radar on Joe Yenni Blvd last night at 9:10 pm when Olave's car was clocked at 70 MPH in a 35 MPH zone. The car was seen "traveling at the high rate of speed, recklessly maneuvering between lanes and other drivers"
— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) October 24, 2023
While it appears to be only a speeding incident and nobody was hurt, it's not a good look for Olave, and this incident will put him on the radar of the league office. Olave had a great rookie season in 2022, with 1,042 yards. This season, his numbers are a bit down, but he still has 471 yards and a touchdown through seven games.
Last Thursday night, Olave drew attention when Derek Carr yelled at him after an incomplete pass on a big play, and Saints coach Dennis Allen said, "Chris didn’t run that route the way that it needs to be run" after the game, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune.
The Saints were already dealing with trying to snap a losing streak. They didn't need an extra distraction from their star receiver.