Missouri Gov. Mike Parson made headlines earlier this month when he commuted the prison sentence of former Kansas City Chiefs assistant coach Britt Reid, son of revered head coach Andy Reid. Providing clarification on the decision, Parson’s office succinctly outlined their reasoning on Friday.
Initially slated to serve a three-year prison term after pleading guilty to felony drunk driving resulting in serious physical injury, Reid’s sentence was abruptly shortened after just 16 months behind bars. He will now fulfill the remainder of his sentence under house arrest.
Criticism of Parson’s decision surfaced on Thursday, particularly from Yahoo’s Dan Wetzel, who highlighted Parson’s avoidance of media scrutiny since the announcement. However, Parson’s office broke their silence on Friday.
In a statement released by Parson’s office, they emphasized that no external influence was involved in the reduction of Reid’s sentence. “No request, official or otherwise, was made on behalf of Mr. Reid for this commutation,” a spokesperson from Parson’s office conveyed to ESPN’s Xuan Thai, although further details regarding the decision were declined.
Jackson County prosecutor Jean Peters Baker told ESPN she would have never agreed to a plea deal if she knew Reid would serve only 1½ years.
“I really want my community to see a system of justice, believe that the system of justice will work for them. It’s very difficult to have people put that kind of faith in this system,” Peters Baker said. “And it took sort of a punch to the face by this action.”
Parson’s office told ESPN in a statement that Reid met parole eligibility requirements.
“Mr. Reid was sentenced to three years in a correctional facility with the eligibility for parole after serving 33 percent of his sentence (1 year in this case). Mr. Reid served one year and four months. He will serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest until October 31, 2025, with strict conditions.”
RELATED: Andy Reid Gives the Big Red Stamp of Approval on Travis Kelce, Taylor Swift’s Relationship
The incident leading to Reid’s sentence dates back to 2021, when he collided his intoxicated truck into two parked vehicles near Arrowhead Stadium, driving nearly 20 miles over the 65 mph speed limit. The accident occurred just days before the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LV defeat against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in February 2021.
Six individuals were injured in the accident, including 5-year-old Ariel Young, who sustained a severe brain injury and remained in a coma for nearly two weeks. She endured a two-month hospitalization before being discharged home.
Speculation has arisen regarding Parson’s personal allegiance to the Chiefs, with Young’s attorney openly suggesting it may have influenced the decision-making process.