Rams’ Demarcus Robinson Charged with DUI Ahead of Playoff Game

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Demarcus Robinson has been charged with one count of misdemeanor driving under the influence (DUI), the Office of the Los Angeles City Attorney announced Thursday. The charge stems from his arrest on Nov. 25, 2024, after California Highway Patrol officers observed him driving over 100 mph on US-101 northbound.

According to a news release, officers reported “objective signs and symptoms of alcohol impairment” during the incident. Robinson, 30, is scheduled to be arraigned in late February, just days after the Rams host the Minnesota Vikings in a wild-card playoff game on Monday night.

Robinson, who started all 17 games for the Rams this season, led the team with seven touchdown receptions and recorded 31 catches for 505 yards. Despite his on-field contributions, his future with the team remains uncertain as he is set to become a free agent after the postseason.

Rams head coach Sean McVay addressed the incident in November, stating, “I think it was a bad decision he made. I don’t think that makes him a bad person. And I do believe this is something that with the words that he said, our guys will learn from it, and hopefully nobody’s ever going to repeat something like this.” McVay emphasized that the team would allow the legal and league disciplinary processes to unfold.

Robinson, a former fourth-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, has played for multiple teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders, and Baltimore Ravens, before joining the Rams in 2023. His role in Los Angeles has been limited due to the team’s depth at wide receiver, including standout rookie Puka Nacua and Tutu Atwell, who is also a free agent this offseason.

As the Rams prepare for their playoff matchup, Robinson’s legal troubles and impending free agency raise questions about his future in the NFL. Teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers, both in need of experienced receivers, could consider signing him, though his recent arrest may impact his market value.

Meanwhile, the Chargers, under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, are looking to build around quarterback Justin Herbert. While they may not prioritize a wide receiver in the draft, Robinson could be a low-risk option to bolster their receiving corps.

Robinson’s case highlights the challenges teams face when balancing player performance with off-field conduct, particularly as the NFL playoffs approach.