Oregon Ducks wide receiver Evan Stewart was arrested in Springfield, Oregon, early Sunday morning on a complaint of driving under the influence of intoxicants, according to authorities. Stewart, a fifth-year receiver who has emerged as one of the Ducks' top offensive weapons this season, was pulled over on Highway 126 near Mohawk Boulevard at around 5 a.m.
Police confirmed the arrest of the standout wideout for allegedly driving under the influence, according to KATU. Officials said an officer developed probable cause to arrest Stewart on the complaint during a DUI investigation, though the station's report does not detail what led to that determination. Stewart was booked into the Springfield Municipal Jail at approximately 7 a.m. and released about an hour later, per the same account.
Exactly who Stewart was released to depends on which outlet's account you read. CBS Sports reported that police released him to Oregon teammate and fellow wideout Dakorien Moore, while The Oregonian described the release only as being to a third party. Neither outlet's account has been reconciled with the other.
Coach Says Action Is Coming, But Won't Say What
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning addressed the arrest publicly, saying the program was still gathering details and would handle the matter internally, according to CBS Sports.
The University of Oregon issued a brief statement acknowledging the incident without offering further comment. “We are aware of the incident and are gathering information at this time,” the school said, according to the same KATU report. Stewart faces a DUII charge stemming from the early-morning stop.
Authorities also addressed whether Stewart had any connection to a separate incident that night involving a pursuit of speeding vehicles in west Centennial. KATU reported that Stewart is not suspected to have had any involvement in that case, which remains under investigation by authorities.
Missed Nebraska Game, Production Numbers In Dispute
Stewart did not play in Oregon's 17-14 win over Nebraska the day before his arrest, sitting out because of an undisclosed injury, as reported by The Oregonian. Before that absence, he had been the Ducks' most productive pass-catcher this season. The Oregonian put his totals at 27 catches, 352 yards and four touchdowns through five games, while Ducks Wire reported the identical stat line came through six games.
Stewart's arrest is not the first time an Oregon football staffer has faced a DUII allegation this year. Oregon running backs coach Ra’Shaad Samples was charged with DUII and reckless driving in April, according to The Oregonian's reporting, and his next court date is scheduled for Oct. 27.
