Detroit Lions have known of Rueben Bain report 'for a while'

In his annual predraft news conference, Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes said the organization was aware of the Rueben Bain Jr.'s connection to a fatal car crash before Sunday night's report from The Read Optional.

"We’ve known that for a while so that doesn’t really change anything from our standpoint," Holmes said on Monday.

Bain is widely regarded as one of the top EDGE talents in this 2026 NFL draft class. ESPN ranks Bain as its No. 2 best available EDGE.

Bain totaled 54 tackles, 9.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one interception last season as he and Miami advanced to the College Football Playoff national championship game.

On Sunday, The Read Optional reported that Bain was cited with careless driving after a vehicle he was driving was involved in a fatal traffic collision in Miami in March of 2024. Destiny Betts, a 22-year-old college student, was one of four passengers in Bain's car.

Betts spent nearly three months in a coma before she died from her injuries on June 13, 2024. According to The Read Optional, the charges against Bain were dropped prior to Betts' death.

“As her family, we remain deeply committed to honoring her memory in a meaningful and appropriate way,” Betts’ family said in a statement to The Read Optional.

“Destiny’s passing was the result of a tragic accident that occurred several years ago. While the loss remains incredibly painful for our family, we have worked hard to find peace and move forward. At this time, we are not seeking public attention surrounding this tragedy and respectfully request that our family’s privacy be honored. We also wish Mr. Bain the best as he continues his life and career.”

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This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Detroit Lions have known of Rueben Bain report 'for a while'