Detroit Lions wide receiver Titus Young was arrested for the third time in a week on Friday, and on Monday his father told Detroit newspapers that he has a mental disorder which has caused him to act recklessly.
Young was arrested for theft, driving under the influence and attempted burglary last week. He has had multiple run-ins with the law previously, both while in college and the NFL. His dad, Richard had been with him prior to the Friday incident.
“We knew that something had happened to him or he was locked up again. His mind is not capable enough to go out and deal with society because of this situation,” he told the newspapers.
Richard said that Young is on antidepressants now, which helps with bipolar and schizophrenia.
“I hope they just forgive Titus because this ain’t none of Titus, it wasn’t none of his fault,” he told The Free Press. “I look at my son right now, I don’t see my son. That’s not my son. I know my son.”
He also said that his son’s condition seemed to get worse after suffering a concussion in 2011, and he suffers from a brain disorder.
Young, 23, was drafted by the Lions in 2011, and had 6 touchdowns that season. However, after a decline in production this season with four touchdowns and 383 yards, he was released in February. The Rams signed him but parted ways after 10 days.