Fred Jackson Involved, Uninjured in Car Wreck

Shockwaves were sent through both the NFL and Western New York community Tuesday evening, when a TMZ report claimed former Buffalo Bills running back Fred Jackson wrecked his black Corvette sports car after “drag racing” with former Bills and current Seattle Seahawks teammate Marshawn Lynch. According to TMZ, Jackson and Lynch were “racing down a straightaway on a public street” before Jackson lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a large planter box and then a stop sign.

Within minutes of the TMZ “story”, several credible reporters dug ionto sources and refuted the notion Jackson and Lynch were drag racing.

Among them was CBS Sports’ Jason LaCanfora, who tweeted citing Seattle team sources that Jackson was in an accident, not racing.  LaCanfora was told “Jackson pulled out of the team facility a little fast—not uncommon and there is a very tight turn he misjudged.”

He then added that Lynch “saw his buddie’s car mangled and ran to the scene. That’s it.”

Tim Graham of the Buffalo News tweeted regarding Lynch’s role in the accident, saying he was told Lynch’s only involvement in the accident was driving over along with other teammates to make sure Jackson was alright.

Condotta's report in the Seattle Times cites a Renton Police Department spokesman saying there was no evidence of drag racing.

“There is no evidence he was drag racing anyone,” Renton police spokesman David Liebman said. “He was leaving the facility, and he was clearly driving too fast when he hit a street sign.”

Jackson took to his Twitter late Tuesday evening to explain what happened.

The most important news, of course is that Jackson was uninjured in the crash.

***Update -- Here is the full press release from the Renton Police Department.***

Renton, Washington – Police responded to the intersection of Seahawks Way and Lake Washington Boulevard North this evening for a report of a one car collision.

Officers determined that at about 4:49 PM, a 2016 Chevrolet Corvette lost control as it drove southbound on Seahawks Way, struck a street sign, and came to rest on the north side of Lake Washington Boulevard North. The car sustained moderate front end damage.

The driver of the Corvette was identified as Seahawks player Frederick Jackson. He appeared uninjured but was taken to the VMAC so team personnel could evaluate him.

Early news releases indicated that Jackson was racing another team member and was removed from the scene by team security before officers could investigate. These reports are false. As of this time, there is no indication that Jackson was racing another vehicle. He remained on scene until officers could speak to him. He was polite and cooperative.