Keep Bailing

They can catch flying projectiles in a split second, run faster than lightening, jump higher than a house, hit impossible targets, throw farther than anyone should – and for all of that, they are duly paid a king’s ransom.

But for all their prowess, fame and fortune, more and more sports celebrities are catching more and more of those name and game stealing DUI’s. That’s right. Arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol.  Is it the stress or strain of being under the public eye? Is it the constant pressure to perform? Let’s take a closer look at a few recent sport celebrity DUI arrests.

First up, basketball phenom and six-year NBA veteran, Al Jefferson of the Minnesota Timberwolves. He issued a statement of apology on Sunday after his DUI arrest. He was taken to the Hennepin County jail on the charge and later released.  This deed caught him a two-game suspension which equates to approximately $292,682 of the $12 million he makes in one season. He’ll also have to be in court on April 23rd. But the money wasn’t the first thing on his mind. He later stated, “I want to apologize to the entire Timberwolves organization… and Wolves fans everywhere for my actions.” 

Next up to the plate, David Freese of The St. Louis Cardinals. He was arrested in December on a DUI charge in St. Louis with a blood-alcohol level of 0.13. This level is nearly 3 times the legal limit of 0.08 in Missouri. Team officials are pleased with the way he handled the arrest, however. General manager, John Mozeliak stated, “I made sure he understood dealing with the alcohol problem and dealing with the legal side was more important than baseball.” Freese was entered into the team employee assistance program. He  later told fans and officials, “It was poor judgement on my part… But God puts things in front of you for a reason. I’ve definitely learned from it…”

Bases are loaded, let’s round things out with Oakland A’s right hand pitcher, Clayton Mortenson. He was arrested the morning of Oct. 4th for suspicion of DUI.  He had just joined the A’s rotation in September. Ready and eager to restore his squeaky clean image at the final A’s season game, he got in front of the press to issue what was reportedly an emotional apology. He said he couldn’t wait to report to camp this spring. Mortenson’s manager, Bob Geren said, “He made a mistake.”  Geren stated he considers what happened, (the DUI), in the past and that it wouldn’t factor into how the player was evaluated. Mortenson stated, “It’s a fresh start… Last year was not a great way to end.”

So what is it? Can we really say why these sports stars have ended up behind bars for DUI? In economic times like these, some folks question that when someone has so much money and fame, why would they want to throw it all away? In the post Tiger example of lost endorsements that were perhaps worth millions and millions, the answer (or excuse) may always turn out to be the same – ”Because we’re only human after all.”