Detroit Lions’ Assistant Coach Joe Cullen Rides Nude

By Mark Hoerrner

If you’re going to ride, ride in style. If you’re Joe Cullen, however, that style is akin to the "emperor’s new clothes."

The Defensive line coach from the Detroit Lions franchise of the NFL is having a rough season. He’s been arrested twice in the same month and is now under a suspension from the team.

"We are obviously very disappointed," said Lions president Matt Millen in an interview with Fox Sports. "These are very serious matters that will be handled sternly and appropriately by our organization. Coach Cullen requested immediate help in seeking treatment. That assistance has been provided and a comprehensive, private program has been established for him."

On Aug. 24, the Detroit Free Press reported that Cullen was arrested for obscene and indecent conduct for driving up to a late-night drive-thru window naked. When later questioned by police, the worker on duty said that Cullen did not do anything untoward other than appear naked at the restaurant.

According to the police reports and eyewitness accounts of the Wendy’s restaurant manager, Jim Lett, obtained by the Free Press, Cullen was subdued as he pulled up to the window, ordered a combo meal and then was told to pull over in the restaurant parking lot while his meal was prepared.

"He didn't say a word," Lett told the Free Press. "I said, 'Here you go with your food, sir.'"

The restaurant manager noted Cullen’s license plate and notified police.

Less than a week later on Sept. 1, Cullen was arrested again for driving under the influence in Dearborn, Mich.

Cullen was a coach at the University of Mississippi until March of last year. He was terminated from his position there when he was arrested for being drunk in public after a row at a restaurant. According to officials at the Lion’s organization, Cullen has acknowledged that he has a drinking problem and is getting help for his addiction.

The police report, the Free Press noted, did not indicate that Cullen was drunk while on his nude driving spree. This runs contrary to a statement issued by the Lions that both of Cullen’s arrests were the result of alcohol-altered states of consciousness.

On Wednesday, Cullen issued a statement of apology.

"I would like to apologize to the Detroit Lions organization, our fans, my family and friends for any embarrassment these incidents have caused," Cullen said in the statement. "These incidents represent a mistake in judgment on my part. I deeply regret them and have learned a valuable lesson. It won't happen again."

The Free Press further reported that on Thursday, the Lions organization suspended Cullen.