According to TMZ, Seattle Seahawks running back Fred Jackson crashed his Corvette into a planter box while drag racing teammate Marshawn Lynch outside of the team’s Renton (Wash.) practice facility. TMZ reports that Jackson and Lynch were racing down a straight public road when the accident happened, and Seahawks staffers took Jackson back to the facility. Mike Garofalo reports that Jackson is uninjured.
Update (10:05 p.m.): The Seattle Times disputes some of the details of TMZ’s story. According to a police spokesman, there is no evidence that Fred Jackson was racing Marshawn Lynch:
“There is no evidence he was drag racing anyone,” Renton police spokesman David Liebman said. “He was leaving the facility, and he was clearly driving too fast when he hit a street sign.”
Liebman said there was a significant amount of damage to Jackson’s 2016 Corvette but added that the Seahawk had no apparent injuries. A team source said Jackson was not injured and was brought back to the team facility. The team confirmed that Jackson was driving the car.
Update (10:24 p.m.):
Update (10:37 p.m.): Here is the full press release from the Renton Police (emphasis theirs):
Renton, Washington – Police responded to the intersection of Seahawks Way and Lake Washington Boulevard North this evening for a report of a one car collision.
Officers determined that at about 4:49 PM, a 2016 Chevrolet Corvette lost control as it drove southbound on Seahawks Way, struck a street sign, and came to rest on the north side of Lake Washington Boulevard North. The car sustained moderate front end damage.
The driver of the Corvette was identified as Seahawks player Frederick Jackson. He appeared uninjured but was taken to the VMAC so team personnel could evaluate him.
Early news releases indicated that Jackson was racing another team member and was removed from the scene by team security before officers could investigate. These reports are false. As of this time, there is no indication that Jackson was racing another vehicle. He remained on scene until officers could speak to him. He was polite and cooperative.
Update (1:37 a.m.): TMZ has put this update on the top of their story:
Law enforcement tells TMZ at this point in their investigation, there is nothing to indicate a drag race. However, our witnesses insist both cars were driving at a VERY high rate of speed. We’re told the responding officer gave team personnel permission to take Jackson and evaluate him.
[TMZ]
Photo via Getty; h/t Brendan
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