Bayonne native Kenny Britt, now a star wide receiver for the Tennessee Titans, came under scrutiny last week after posting bail for a local rap artist who was recently arrested in connection with a Jersey City murder.
The incident came just two days after the 21-year-old Britt, who was the first Rutgers University product to ever become a first-round NFL Draft selection in 2009, was himself arrested in Glen Ridge, N.J. for having outstanding parking and motor vehicle tickets.
Kenny Britt’s bad week started on Wednesday, Jan. 13, when Glen Ridge police issued him a traffic ticket on Bloomfield Avenue in Glen Ridge at approximately 11 p.m.
The NFL has made it a point to crack down on players’ involvement with criminals.
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Since Britt allegedly never appeared in court to make restitution for the tickets, the warrants for his arrest were issued. He was placed in a Glen Ridge police car and was released on his own recognizance a few hours after posting bail for $865.
“He was treated like anyone else,” Glen Ridge Police Lt. Fred Ignezzo said last week. “He got arrested. If you have these fines, you need to take care of them and pay the fines levied on you so you don’t have to deal with this.”
On Friday, Britt appeared in a different court – this time to post the bail for childhood friend Albert “Albee Al” Robinson of Jersey City, who was appearing in front of Hudson County Superior Court Judge Fred Theemling.
“Albee Al” is a rap artist whose label is Flat Line Records.
The 25-year-old Robinson was arrested on three indictments, namely hindering the apprehension of another suspect wanted for a homicide, criminal possession of a handgun, and receiving stolen property, according to Assistant Hudson County Prosecutor Timohty Moriarty. These were in connection with a December homicide in Jersey City.
After his latest arrest, bail was set at $200,000, but Robinson could only come up with $35,000, so Britt appeared Friday with the remainder of the bail to get his childhood friend released from jail.
Not everyone makes it out
Robinson released an explanation on Wednesday, after the Reporter contacted his team for a comment: “Albert (Albee) and I are childhood friends and I am no way condoning any of his past actions. There are a number of people that I grew up with who had problems. Myself and others were fortunate enough to find our way. We want to try to help some of the others who have had problems and show them a way to success. I am hoping Albee can be one of those guys.”
Robinson had two prior convictions, both in 2007, for possession of a handgun and aggravated assault for pointing a handgun. According to Moriarty, the two convictions were for separate incidents, both in Jersey City. Robinson pleaded guilty to both charges, was sentenced to three years in prison, and served 18 months in a state penitentiary.
It is not a crime to post bail for a convicted felon, but the National Football League sometimes takes a hard stance on such incidents as part of their personal conduct code policy.
“Everyone is entitled to post bail for someone,” said Hudson County Prosecutor Edward DeFazio last week. “These were legitimate funds that were presented for the defendant. Regardless of what has happened in the past, [Robinson] is still innocent until proven guilty.”
But DeFazio questioned Britt’s judgment in possibly jeopardizing his career for helping a two-time convicted felon.
“In our society, people are judged by the company they keep,” DeFazio said. “It’s clear that there is a long-standing relationship between the defendant and Mr. Britt. But these charges against the defendant are very serious, one being a homicide-related incident. You can easily see what the guy is all about. A victim was shot to death in Jersey City. “
Robinson is now free on bail.
“It’s very frustrating, but that’s the law,” DeFazio said. “The bail was increased by the court in an effort to keep Mr. Robinson off the streets.”
Representatives from the Tennessee Titans did not immediately respond to questions regarding Britt’s legal involvement.
Britt’s career
Britt was a standout at Bayonne High School, then went to Rutgers, where he set a host of school records and became the program’s first-ever first-round draft pick in April, 2009, going to Tennessee with the 30th pick overall.
Britt had a fine rookie season for the Titans, catching 42 passes and scoring three touchdowns for the Titans, who rebounded from an 0-6 start to finish the season at 8-8. Britt was one of the main reasons for the team’s comeback.
The NFL has made it a point to crack down on its players’ involvement with criminals, strictly enforcing the personal conduct code policy, so it could very well be that Britt will be levied with a four-game suspension, maybe more, for his involvement in the case.