College Football Player Arrested for DUI Despite 0.0 Breathalyzer

UPDATE: A college football player was arrested for DUI despite registering a 0.0 on a breathalyzer test, raising serious questions about police procedures. McClain Fineran, a 19-year-old kicker for Shorter University, contacted the Rome Police Department on October 2, 2023, after accidentally hitting a parked car in an empty university parking lot.

Fineran, who was coming off a late-night study session, intended to file an accident report. He stated, “I did what I was taught,” indicating his intent to act responsibly. Although he blew 0.0 on the breathalyzer, officers conducted field sobriety tests, which led to his arrest.

According to WSB-TV, an officer informed Fineran, “Based off the accident that you had and the field sobriety test that we did, I’ve got enough probable cause to believe that you were under the influence of something other than alcohol.” The officer’s statement highlights the ongoing debate over the reliability of field sobriety tests, especially in cases involving substances like marijuana.

Fineran spent the night in jail, and subsequent tests administered by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation revealed no illegal or prescription drugs in his system. His mother, Christine Fineran, voiced her concern, stating, “If we’re seeing people getting arrested when they’re sober and they’re not under the influence, there’s a problem.”

In a significant turn of events, prosecutors dropped the DUI charge after receiving the negative test results, but the incident has already impacted Fineran’s college career. He has entered the transfer portal, signaling a potential move away from Shorter University.

The Rome Police Department acknowledged that the officer had “sufficient probable cause to make the initial arrest,” but issued a reprimand for “deficiencies in report documentation.” This incident is part of a larger pattern raising concerns about the accuracy of field sobriety tests. A study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association found that officers incorrectly classified 49% of sober participants as impaired during marijuana-related tests, further complicating the discussion around DUI arrests.

As this situation evolves, experts and advocates are calling for a reevaluation of how sobriety is assessed by law enforcement. This case not only spotlights the challenges faced by individuals wrongly accused but also raises questions about the training and practices of police officers in DUI situations.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.