Jack Swagger arrested for DUI, marijuana possession after SmackDown tapings in Mississippi

Well, this is just awful timing for a guy whose career was finally headed in the right direction thanks to a hiatus and repackaging as an All-American with twisted values who runs with a racist manager out to save the country from illegal immigrants driving across the border and looking for handouts.

It just turns out, Jack Swagger is doing some drinking -- and smoking -- while he's driving.

Indeed, according to a report from TMZ.com, Swagger was arrested after leaving last night's (Feb. 19, 2013) SmackDown tapings in Biloxi, Mississippi, and charged with DUI and possession of marijuana.

According to law enforcement, the officer who pulled him over determined Swagger was driving under the influence -- and a search revealed Swagger was in possession of marijuana. We're told Swagger -- a former WWE World Heavyweight champ -- was taken in by local sheriff's deputies ... and later released on his own recognizance. He has been charged with DUI, marijuana possession, and speeding -- all misdemeanors.

A WWE statement to TMZ reads simply, "Mr. Swagger is responsible for his own personal actions."

This is awful timing because not only is WWE facing heat from all sides for the gimmick Swagger is using alongside his manager and mouthpiece, Zeb Colter, but he just won an Elimination Chamber match this past weekend to earn a world heavyweight championship match at WrestleMania 29 on April 7 in New Jersey against Alberto Del Rio. He literally could not have picked a worse time in his career to have gotten arrested for something so stupid.

The sad truth of matters such as these is that if you're a big enough star, you can get away with damn near anything. The question is whether or not WWE feels Swagger is a big enough star or if he's going to face some actual punishment for this outside of what the law deems fit.

We shall see.