The Tampa Bay Buccaneers released tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins on Friday after he was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated in Tampa, Fla.
The news was reported by several outlets, and Seferian-Jenkins thanked the team's fans on Twitter, saying he is ready for "the next chapter."
"We are very disappointed in today's news," Tampa Bay general manager Jason Licht said. "After careful consideration, we felt this was the right decision at this time."
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Seferian-Jenkins was stopped for entering I-275 south near State Road 60 and traveling 75-80 mph in a 55-mph zone early Friday morning. He made an improper lane change, cutting off a state trooper traveling in his patrol vehicle, and was weaving back and forth, the FHP said in a release.
Seferian-Jenkins refused a breath test at the Hillsborough County Jail.
Seferian-Jenkins was charged with DUI and violation of an Ignition Interlock Device restriction from a previous arrest in the state of Washington in 2013.
Seferian-Jenkins (6-5, 260), who will turn 24 on Thursday, was taken by the Bucs in the second round of the 2014 NFL draft. He played collegiately at Washington. He has 45 career receptions for 603 yards and seven touchdowns. He made three catches for 44 yards and a touchdown this season.
The Bucs (1-1) will host the Los Angeles Rams (1-1) in their home opener Sunday at Raymond James Stadium.
