Minnesota NBA Star Apologizes for DUI Arrest

By Topher

Another athlete is making a public apology after being arrested for DUI.

The Minnesota Timberwolves NBA team have suspended their star center Al Jefferson for two games without pay after he was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated recently, according to the Associated Press.

Jefferson apologized to his team and to fans after the DWI arrest. He also said that he accepts the punishment that the Timberwolves handed down. In his apology, Jefferson said:

“I want to apologize to the entire Timberwolves organization, owner Glen Taylor, my teammates, coaches and Wolves fans everywhere for my actions last night. I made a very poor decision and I am truly sorry for that. As a leader on this team, I know that more is expected of me, and I am disappointed in myself.”

Jefferson was stopped on Interstate 394 in Minneapolis, near downtown, early on a recent Sunday morning.

According to police, he was speeding and changing lanes without a signal. Jefferson took a field sobriety test, then agreed to be transferred to a nearby hospital for a blood test to determine his blood-alcohol content. His car was towed, and police described him as very cooperative with their efforts.

The results of the blood tests had not come in yet, and are expected in the next several weeks.

Jefferson’s arrest came after a loss to the Portland Trailblazers. Jefferson had scored 19 points in the game, which took place at the Target Center.

“On behalf of the Timberwolves organization, we are disappointed that Al used poor judgment last night,” said Timberwolves president of basketball operations David Kahn. “Thankfully, nobody was injured or hurt.”

Kahn also said that Jefferson felt terrible about the incident, and that he understood how serious an issue it was for himself and for the team.

“He feels terrible,” said Kahn, “and I believe him when he says he will learn from his mistake.” Kahn reiterated also that the suspension was appropriate.

Jefferson is 25-years-old, and has played in the NBA since 2004, where he started out with the Boston Celtics. He was traded to Minnesota in the blockbuster deal that sent star Kevin Garnett to Boston.