Governor Parson’s office noted that the action was part of a broader slate of clemency decisions. In February, Parson granted 36 pardons and approved three commutations, including Reid’s.
Public Reaction and Ongoing Scrutiny
Missouri Governor Commutes DUI Sentence of Former Chiefs Assistant Coach Britt Reid
Missouri Governor Mike Parson has commuted the prison sentence of Britt Reid, a former linebackers coach for the Kansas City Chiefs and the son of longtime head coach Andy Reid, following Reid’s conviction in a high-profile drunk driving case.
Reid pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated in connection with a 2021 traffic crash that left a five-year-old child with severe, life-altering injuries. He was sentenced in 2023 to three years in state prison, a punishment that drew national attention due to his role within an NFL organization and the seriousness of the injuries involved.
In a statement released by the governor’s office, Parson cited Reid’s progress in rehabilitation and sentencing considerations as reasons for the commutation.
“Mr. Reid has completed his alcohol abuse treatment program and has served more prison time than most individuals convicted of similar offenses,” the statement read.
Under the terms of the commutation, Reid will be placed under house arrest through October 31, 2025, and will remain subject to strict probation conditions. These conditions include:
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Weekly meetings with a parole officer
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Weekly behavioral counseling
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Regular participation with a peer support sponsor
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Rigorous community service obligations
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Employment requirements
The governor’s office emphasized that the commutation does not erase the conviction, but instead modifies how the remainder of the sentence will be served.
Background: The 2021 Crash
The incident occurred in February 2021, just days before the Kansas City Chiefs appeared in Super Bowl LV. Authorities said Reid was intoxicated when he rear-ended two vehicles stopped on an entrance ramp to Interstate 435 near the Chiefs’ practice facility in Kansas City, Missouri.
One of the vehicles contained a five-year-old child, who suffered traumatic brain injuries and required extensive medical treatment. The case sparked widespread discussion about accountability, privilege, and substance abuse within professional sports organizations.
Chiefs’ Response and Coaching Fallout
At the time of the crash, the Kansas City Chiefs placed Britt Reid on administrative leave. The team later confirmed that he would not be retained following the expiration of his contract, effectively ending his NFL coaching career.
Reid had served on his father’s coaching staffs in both Philadelphia and Kansas City and was widely regarded as a knowledgeable defensive assistant prior to the incident.
The Chiefs organization has not commented publicly on the governor’s decision.
Legal Representation and Official Silence
Reid’s attorney, J.R. Hobbs, declined to comment when contacted by CNN regarding the commutation.
Governor Parson’s office noted that the action was part of a broader slate of clemency decisions. In February, Parson granted 36 pardons and approved three commutations, including Reid’s.
Public Reaction and Ongoing Scrutiny
The decision has already drawn mixed reactions, with some critics questioning the optics of commuting the sentence of a high-profile figure connected to the NFL, while others point to the structured supervision requirements and Reid’s completion of treatment programs as justification.
Victims’ advocates have historically expressed concern that commutations in DUI cases—particularly those involving children—may send the wrong message, even when conditions remain strict.
Correction Note
CNN also issued a correction clarifying that an earlier version of the story misspelled Governor Mike Parson’s name.
