Fisher says he can't comment on status of T.J. McDonald after player's arrest

Rams coach Jeff Fisher says he can’t comment on status of T.J. McDonald after player’s arrest

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/rams-715745-fisher-mcdonald.html

OXNARD – Rams coach Jeff Fisher declined to elaborate on the status of safety T.J. McDonald, who was arrested Tuesday morning on suspicion of driving under the influence of a substance other than alcohol.

“It’s a legal issue and we really can’t comment on it,” Fisher said Thursday, “but I can say that I have spent significant time with T.J. That’s all I can say.”

Otherwise, Fisher deferred to the statement the Rams released Tuesday, in which the team said it was aware of the incident and “gathering information.” It’s not yet known whether McDonald will face charges or whether he will face discipline from the team or the NFL.

The Rams are in a similar situation with running back Tre Mason, who was arrested in March and charged with reckless driving, marijuana possession and resisting arrest, and with recently drafted tight end Tyler Higbee, who faces assault charges.

Only the McDonald incident happened in Southern California (Woodland Hills), but Fisher said he is mindful of the extra scrutiny that will come with playing in Los Angeles, where celebrities often are followed by gossip reporters with cameras. The Rams now are among those celebrities.

“We’ve had those discussions, yes,” Fisher said. “It’s no different than any other club. You’re always having those life-skills type discussions about decision-making. It’s just making sure you’re making good decisions and going about your business. There are distractions in every city.”