Why Chris Olave Was Charged, Arrested

What led to Chris Olave being charged and arrested in Louisiana?

The embattled young New Orleans Saints wide receiver, Chris Olave, isn't having the best month.  Reportedly, Olave was arrested for "reckless operation of a motor vehicle" for traveling 35 miles per hour over the posted speed limit in Kenner, LA, a suburb of New Orleans.  He was stopped by the police and arrested for the alleged infraction.  Olave cooperated with the authorities and did not resist arrest.

Oct. 15, 2023; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Christ Olave on the sidelines in the 4th quarter against the Houston Texans; Credit: Kyle A. Mosley, Saints News Network

KENNER POLICE STATEMENT

WDSU posted a statement from the Kenner Police:  "New Orleans Saints player Chris Olave was arrested tonight for Reckless Operation, city ordinance, driving 70 mph in 35 mph zone.  The incident occurred in the 1700 block of Joe Yenni Boulevard." - Kenner Police Statement

Saints WR Chris Olave Arrested

WHAT IS RECKLESS OPERATION OF A VEHICLE IN LOUISIANA?

Reckless operation of a vehicle (

RS 14:99 in Louisiana Law

)

A. Reckless operation of a vehicle is the operation of any motor vehicle, aircraft, vessel, or other means of conveyance in a criminally negligent or reckless manner.

B.(1) Whoever commits the crime of reckless operation of a vehicle shall be fined not more than two hundred dollars, or imprisoned for not more than ninety days, or both.

(2) On a second or subsequent conviction, the offender shall be fined not less than twenty-five nor more than five hundred dollars, or imprisoned for not less than ten days nor more than six months, or both. 

Acts 2014, No. 791, §7.

In Louisiana, Olave would be considered a first-time offender under the statute, which carries a maximum penalty of $200 and a 90-day prison sentence.  Chris Olave's brother, John Olave, posted on social media, "Bro was on the way back to the crib from CVS...aint nun serious."   

Criticism Around Saints Young Star Is Out Of Control

Olave's performance has come under scrutiny after the loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars.  According to Dennis Allen, the receiver failed to run the route as intended on quarterback Derek Carr's deep pass.  He began the season with three consecutive games where he performed well, with receiving yards of 112, 86, and 104.  Since Week 3, he has only had two games with over 50 receiving yards - against Houston and Jacksonville.

New Orleans drafted Olave out of Ohio State as the 11th overall pick in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.  He has 22 game appearances, 14 starts, 111 receptions for 1,513 yards, and five touchdowns in his NFL career.  Last season, Olave was a candidate for the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year Award.

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