NFL: The 5 Most Embarrassing Arrests in Professional Football

In the current state of the NFL, it’s impossible to accurately discern the full scale of criminal activity unless you look very closely.

What’s shocking upon closer inspection is that it's actually fairly ridiculous. Since the lockout began, arrests among NFL players have gone up dramatically. (Most of those stem from too much partying, go figure.)

Essentially, it adds up to one more reason why we need this lockout to end for the good of everyone involved.

It got me thinking, though. There are always some NFL arrests the players and coaches in question would be less than proud of. So what are the most embarrassing apprehensions?

(Quick note: since this is a list of embarrassing arrests, it’s obviously void of any murder or gun-related incidents, since those are just either tragic or horrifying. Also, it’s fairly impossible to list them all, so I realize I’m only scratching the surface. Let me know what you think!)

No. 5: Mike Ditka

Ditka lands here from a DUI during his otherwise-glorious season in 1985.

The Bears beat the 49ers 26-10 on the road in mid-October. After landing at O'Hare International Airport late at night, Ditka proceeded to have one too many drinks and then get behind the wheel. He was pulled over two miles from the airport for "speeding, improper lane usage and driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor" according to the Associated Press (h/t Houston Chronicle).

Angry Bears fans called state police incensed that they would arrest the Chicago Bears hero.

No. 4: Michael Irvin

Our first Dallas Cowboy on the list! Truth be told I could probably make a list of just Cowboys.

Mr. Irvin must have decided, "Hey, you only turn 30 once, so why not do it in style?"

He had his buddies over for a party. A grand party it was. Strippers, cocaine and the usual ingredients of excess.

What Michael failed to plan for was the cameo appearance of local police, who raided the party.

No. 3: Onterrio Smith

This might be my favorite. Smith, a mediocre running back for the Minnesota Vikings, decided he was too good for the NFL's drug policy.

"I'm smart," thought Smith. "I'll just get a fake penis so I can keep doing what I do."

Bad idea.

He was caught in the Minnesota airport with his "Whizzinator" and detained.

Real smart.

No. 2: Nate Newton

Cowboy No. 2.

Newton, a three-time Super Bowl champion and superb guard, was caught in 2001 with 213 pounds of marijuana.

It wouldn't have been such a big deal, except for the fact that five weeks later he was caught again with 175 pounds of weed.

Tell me that isn't one of the dumbest things you've heard in a while?

No. 1: Lance Rentzel

Cowboy No. 3.

The one-time star receiver was in a great position. He was a wide receiver for "America's Team" and married to the ridiculously good-looking actress Joey Heatherton.

But he was arrested in November 1970 for indecently exposing himself to, of all things, a 10-year-old girl.

It's the worst and most embarrassing (and frankly pathetic) thing on this list, taking the dubious distinction as most embarrassing arrest by an NFL player.