Former NFL cornerback and Commanders broadcaster Fred Smoot was arrested Thursday in Virginia on a civil misdemeanor charge for “failure to comply with support obligation”, as first reported by TMZ Sports.
The Washington Post reported that Smoot turned himself in at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center, per the county’s sheriff’s office. He was still in jail as of Friday morning, per the Post.
Smoot, who typically does postgame analysis, will reporteldy be replaced by former Washington tight end Rick “Doc” Walker for the Commanders’ first preseason game on Friday vs. the Browns, per the Post. Walker served as color commentator on the team’s game-day broadcasts in 2022.
Smoot’s latest legal incident comes years after the now 44-year-old dealt with multiple incidents during his playing days.
In 2006, Smoot pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges originating from the “Love Boat” scandal, a wrongdoing that involved several Vikings players who hired prostitutes for a sex party on a boat. In ’13, Smoot was driving under the influence and was sentenced to six months of probation. Then, in ’15, he was found not guilty on a misdemeanor domestic violence charge.
Smoot played seven of his nine NFL seasons in Washington, spending the other two years in Minnesota.
