According to AOL Sporting News, more than a dozen National Football League players have been charged with drinking and driving this year. Our very own Atlanta Falcons running back Michael Turner is the most recent NFL player to be arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. Turner was arrested earlier this week in Georgia.
CNN reported that around 4 a.m. on Tuesday, police spotted a speeding Audi R8 on Interstate 85 near Atlanta. The Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Department said that the Audi was traveling faster than 95 mph. The speed limit was only 65 mph. After conducting a traffic stop, police suspected Turner of DUI.
While Turner faces legal consequences for the DUI charge, he could also be penalized by the Falcons and the NFL. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Turner will be able to play with the team while his DUI case remains pending. However, the NFL does require players to enter a substance abuse program after a first-time drug or alcohol-related offense. If Turner is convicted or charged with another alcohol-related offense, he could be at risk of being suspended from the team.
Turner is 30 and has already had a successful career with the NFL. He began playing with the Falcons in 2008. He has issued an apology since his arrest and he acknowledges that he made a mistake.
According to reports, the running back was arrested just several hours after the Falcons defeated the Broncos Monday evening. Police conducted a traffic stop after they had clocked Turner driving at 97 mph. During the traffic stop, an officer reported that the odor of alcohol was detected while speaking with Turner.
Source: CNN, “Atlanta Falcons star running back arrested on suspicion of drunk driving,” Sept. 18, 2012