'I've learned something'
Raiders coach Gruden apologizes for DUI arrest
Posted: Thursday October 22, 1998 11:07 AM
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If convicted, Gruden could face up to six months in jail and a fine Jed Jacobsohn/Allsport |
ALAMEDA, California (AP) -- A day after being charged with driving under
the influence, Oakland
Raiders coach Jon Gruden expressed regret for the incident.
"I've apologized to the team. I've apologized to the Raiders organization.
And I'd like to apologize to Raiders fans," Gruden said Wednesday. "I've
learned something."
Gruden, who could face up to six months in jail and a fine if convicted,
was arrested while driving home a week ago from a party following his
team's 7-6 victory over the San Diego Chargers.
A blood test taken at the time of his arrest showed Gruden had a
blood-alcohol level of .10, a spokeswoman for the Alameda County district
attorney's office said Wednesday. The legal limit is .08.
Gruden was charged Tuesday and is due to appear for arraignment November 6
in Alameda County Superior Court in Pleasanton on the misdemeanor charge.
That's two days before the Raiders play the Ravens in Baltimore.
The rookie coach, who at 35 is the youngest in the NFL, was arrested by the
California Highway Patrol on October 11 while returning to his Pleasanton
home from a postgame party following the Raiders' win over the Chargers in
Oakland.
Gruden also could face disciplinary action by the NFL.
"If an NFL employee is involved in an alcohol-related violation of the law,
he or she could face possible disciplinary action by the commissioner,"
said Leslie Hammond, director of media services for the NFL. Such
disciplinary action could include a fine.
The California Highway Patrol said Gruden was speeding by about 15 or 20
mph and straddling lanes when he was arrested. He was held at the Santa
Rita Jail for about three hours.
The patrol initially reported Gruden was cooperative when he was arrested.
However, the Contra Costa Times reported Thursday that court records
show the arresting officer described him as "uncooperative."
Gruden failed all five field sobriety tests and had red, watery eyes and
slurred his speech. He initially denied he'd been drinking, then admitted
he'd drunk three beers, the report said.
While retrieving his driver's license from the trunk of the car, he told
the officer "Hey, you know I'm the coach of the Oakland Raiders and I'm
just in a hurry to get home," the records show.
Copyright 2003 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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