West Virginia’s defense was historically bad in 2012, but one of the few -- the only? -- bright spots on that unit was freshman safety Karl Joseph.
The offseason has not been as kind for Joseph, however. Per West Virginia MetroNews, Joseph was pulled over early Sunday morning for driving without his headlights on. Officers say Joseph had “bloodshot eyes and smelled of alcohol”, and failed two sobriety tests. Joseph, 19, reportedly registered a blood-alcohol level of .054. While that’s lower than the legal limit of .08, it is double the legal limit for people younger than 21 (.02).
Joseph was charged with a DUI under 21 and possessing a false ID -- interestingly enough, belonging to WVU linebacker Isaiah Bruce, who is over 21. Both charges are misdemeanors and the DB is currently out on $300 bond. Mountaineers coach Dana Holgorsen told the Dominion Post that he could relate is aware of the situation and in the fact-gathering stage.
The incident comes shortly after another Mountaineer defender, Travis Bell, was handed a misdemeanor domestic battery charge for allegedly getting into a fight with his girlfriend over the weekend. He is free on $7,400 bond.
Joseph was WVU’s leading tackler last season with 104 total tackles. He also recorded two interceptions, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.