The Cleveland Browns faced a tough loss to the New York Jets a few weeks back, a defeat that seemingly sent one fan over the edge. Jeffrey Miller was arrested for allegedly throwing a water bottle at Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam following the game. He was apprehended on suspicion of assault, disorderly conduct, and failure to comply with a lawful order after reportedly resisting officers attempting to detain him.
While it remains unclear if Miller has officially been charged, reports suggest the Browns intend to ban him from the stadium. The recently released arrest video offers a revealing look at the incident and Miller’s reaction. To break down the footage and its implications, we consulted with criminal defense attorney Kathleen Bogan-Shoots.
Throwing a Water Bottle: Assault or Overreaction?
Before delving into the arrest video, Bogan-Shoots weighed in on the initial incident, having viewed footage of the water bottle being hurled at Haslam. “As a former prosecutor, I can say it technically meets the description of the crime,” she acknowledged. However, she expressed reservations about the severity of the response. “As a human being, I’m not sure prosecuting someone who’s likely not sober and upset about a loss is the best use of taxpayer dollars, especially when the Browns could simply ban him from the stadium.”
Bogan-Shoots’ suspicion of Miller’s sobriety stemmed from his demeanor in the arrest video.
“Am I Going to Jail for a Water Bottle?”
The first video, recorded on September 18th, captures Miller’s immediate reaction as he’s being placed into the police cruiser outside FirstEnergy Stadium. “Am I going to jail for a while?” he asks. “I’m being arrested for a water bottle?”
Jeffrey Miller being escorted to a police car
“If I were the prosecutor on the case, he’s just handed me a convenient admission,” Bogan-Shoots observed. “That strengthens their position significantly.” The fact that Miller volunteered this information without prompting makes it less likely to be dismissed as a result of a custodial interrogation.
Fan Safety vs. Overzealous Prosecution
The Browns organization released a statement emphasizing their commitment to safety. “Fan, player, and staff safety is the top priority in our building, and behavior that puts others in danger will not be tolerated,” the statement read. “Luckily no one was harmed in this incident.” The statement concluded by stating that they would cooperate with law enforcement but offer no further comment.
Cleveland Browns fans at FirstEnergy Stadium
While acknowledging the potential for injury from any projectile, Bogan-Shoots questioned the Browns’ emphasis on safety, particularly given recent events in other NFL games.
Unanswered Questions and Potential Consequences
The full extent of the charges against Miller remains unclear, although assault, disorderly conduct, and failure to comply with a lawful order are likely. Bogan-Shoots believes it’s improbable that charges would be dropped, given Miller’s admission and the Browns’ likely desire to pursue legal action.
She concludes that a stadium ban might be a more fitting consequence, considering Miller’s apparent dedication to the team. Regardless of the outcome, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible fan behavior and the potential repercussions of crossing the line.
