Despite arrest, Babineaux likely to play against Saints

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

FLOWERY BRANCH – With the Falcons playoff hopes on the line, defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux will very likely play against the New Orleans Saints Sunday.

“We are aware of the situation concerning Jonathan Babineaux and are in the process of gathering information. Because this is a legal matter, we will have no further comment at this time,” a team spokesman said in a statement.

In the past when players have been arrested, the team has allowed most to play pending their legal proceedings.

However, Babineaux's arrest for possession of marijuana and four traffic violations will be reviewed under the NFL's Substance Abuse Policy, according to NFL spokesman Greg Aiello.

In the wake of the Michael Vick federal dogfighting case, the Falcons have tried to be extremely careful in researching the backgrounds of their players. Some draft eligible players have been removed from their board because of character issues.

But the team was comfortable enough with Babineaux to sign him to a five-year, $25 million contract extension.

Last season, safety Lawyer Milloy was arrested for driving under the influence and speeding in Gwinnett County. He started the next game against the Kansas City Chiefs. After the season, he was not re-signed by the Falcons and is currently a reserve with the Seattle Seahawks.

In May of 2008, linebacker Michael Boley was arrested and charged with battery in Gwinnett County. He played and started most of last season, but was also not re-signed.

Boley, who currently plays for the New York Giants, was suspended by the league for one game on the NFL Personal Conduct Policy.

Babineaux is the team's top defensive linemen this season. He receives the most snaps of the players in the seven-man defensive line rotation.

He has 41 tackles, tops on the team amongst defensive lineman, and has five quarterback sacks, which is tied for the team lead with Kroy Biermann. He leads the team with eight tackles for loss.

The Falcons are 6-6 and are fighting for a wildcard berth in the NFC playoffs.