Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Dwayne Gratz was arrested early Sunday morning after attempting to “purchase” several items at a grocery store at the Ocean Reef Suits in Miami Beach, Florida. Gratz was out of cash at the time, and decided to attempt to use bubble gum as legal tender.
According to a Miami Beach Police Department report, a seemingly besotted Gratz became agitated after a store employee refused to accept his gum as currency. Other patrons were startled, and began to exit the establishment, which prompted the clerk to contact the authorities. At this point, Gratz refused to leave the store.
The two officers who arrived on the scene reported that Gratz had bloodshot eyes, and smelled of alcohol. The 2013 third-round draft pick refused to vacate the premises, after being given multiple opportunities, and bluntly told police, “No. I’m not leaving.”
Gratz was then arrested at 5:53 a.m., and charged with disorderly intoxication and trespassing, which are both misdemeanors. The Connecticut alum spent the night in a Miami-Dade county jail, and was released Monday after posting a $1,000 bail.
Gratz grabs an interception vs. the Miami Dolphins during the 2013 preseason:
Gratz must know by now that one cannot pay for goods and services with Big League Chew:
Yikes. Jags cornerback Dwayne Gratz was arrested over the weekend for disorderly conduct/trespassing. pic.twitter.com/3J22ys7c2G
— Erica Bennett (@EricaANjax) November 18, 2014
Jaguars coach Gus Bradley commented that any punishments Gratz might be dealt for his gum-bartering concepts would be handled internally.
“He (Gratz) had an unfortunate situation over the weekend. It’s not good, what took place, but it is a matter that we have to investigate even more. … I want to talk to him and then we’ll handle it within,” Bradley remarked.
Headed to Miami to move that gum:
Headed to Miami for the first time. Can't believe I been in Florida for two years and still haven't been there already.
— Dwayne Gratz (@DJG24_7) November 15, 2014
Gratz has logged a team-high five pass breakups, so far this season.