The starting pitcher for the Atlanta Braves, Derek Lowe, was arrested on Thursday night on suspicion of driving under the influence. He has been charged with DUI. According to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Lowe was pulled over on Thursday night around 10 p.m. after Georgia State Patrol troopers reportedly saw his Porsche racing with another vehicle on Peachtree Road.
After Lowe’s vehicle was pulled over by the troopers, they said that they smelled a strong alcohol odor on Lowe’s breath. Lowe refused to take a breathalyzer test, but was given another field sobriety test. He was arrested on suspicion of DUI and brought to the city jail of Atlanta. Lowe is also charged with making an improper lane change and reckless driving.
According to the AJC, the 37-year-old released a statement on Friday apologizing for the attention that the arrest may be bringing to the team and possible distraction. He said that he hopes it will not be a distraction for long because it is a legal matter and should not affect the baseball team or Braves organization.
Lowe also said he anticipates “this case can promptly be resolved within the court system,” according to the AJC. Since Lowe refused to take a breathalyzer test, the case will rest on the field sobriety test done by the officer and the notes that were taken by the arresting officer.
Lowe is currently under a 4-year, $60 million contract that began before the Braves’ 2009 season. The Braves said in a statement that they are “concerned and disappointed” about what happened.
Source:
Braves pitcher Derek Lowe apologizes for DUI arrest (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)