More Trouble for UGA Football: Linebacker Arrested for DUI

Davin Bellamy

((ht: macon.com))

Safe to say it's not been the quietest offseason in University of Georgia football history.

The Macon Telegraph reports early Saturday morning, backup linebacker Davin Bellamy was pulled over and arrested on DUI and speeding charges by the Athens-Clarke County PD.

Just 4 days ago, the Dawgs had to deal with DL Jonathan Taylor getting arrested and charged with assault. Taylor was dropped from the program the next day.

In Bellamy's case, the charges are technically misdemeanors and whether you call this trivializing things or not, it's something college students do. Quite frequently.

Read the full story on what happened from the Telegraph RIGHT HERE

Per the Telegraph, the school has the ability to make Bellamy sit out for two games. Since this incident just happened (5am Saturday, we're posting this at 8:30a Saturday), the University nor coach Mark Richt have commented or had a chance to review what happened.

Only time will tell what they decide to do.

And yes, this season's camp opens in just a few days. It's this time of year coaches get nervous because they don't technically get to keep close tabs on players. And like we said, so far, the week for the Dawgs can't get much worse.

BREAKING: Bolts Malone Busted On DUI And Possession Charges

((HT: 98.7 The Fan-Tampa/SunSports))

Last night, the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-2 behind the work of Kristers Gudlevskis in net and Eric Brewer's two goals. Right now, the Bolts are second in the Atlantic Division ahead of Montreal. And the second place team gets home ice in the first round of the playoffs...


It might be done without one of their players...

Around 5:30 this morning, Lightning forward Ryan Malone was arrested on DUI and cocaine possession charges. He is currently being held on $2,500 bond. Malone has only 15 points in 57 games this season as one of the top-five paid guys on the roster with a cap hit of $4.5-million (Stamkos, Filppula, Purcell, Carle, and St. Louis) and he has another year left on his deal.

From Damian Cristodero of the Tampa Bay Times, Lightning GM Steve Yzerman released a statement:

“We are aware of the situation concerning Ryan Malone this morning. Ryan will not travel with the team to Washington today, but beyond that we cannot comment further at this time.”

Here's the arrest report and the beginning of a very long day for a team veteran...

Irsay Arrested Overnight, Faces Four Felony Counts

((HT: WTHR-TV))

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay failed multiple sobriety tests after being pulled over early this morning in suburban Indianapolis and faces four felony counts- including Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence and Possession of a Controlled Substance. He is being held on a $22,500 bond and is set to face a judge early Monday afternoon.

"During the course of the investigation, Irsay subsequently failed several roadside field sobriety tests," Carmel (IN) police Lt. Joe Bickel said in a release.

While searching Irsay's vehicle, "multiple prescription drugs were discovered in pill bottles. These Schedule IV prescription drugs were not associated with any prescription bottles found in the vehicle," according to the police.

The Colts released the standard statement Monday morning:

"We are gathering information at this time regarding last night's incident involving Jim Irsay. The team will issue additional statements when the facts are sorted and we are aware of the next steps to this process.

"Many fans have reached out to express their concern and we appreciate their support."

The NFL issued a one sentence statement relaying that Irsay "will be subject to discipline."

Here's the breaker from this morning...
13 WTHR Indianapolis

As one who uses his Twitter for conversation, it will be interesting to see if (or how) he addresses it on his account...

Vikings LB Henderson Arrested for DUI Again

Henderson Booking Photo

((ht: startribune.com))

Minnesota Vikings linebacker Erin Henderson may be exhausting his supply of "Get Out of Jail Free" cards.

Henderson was arrested for the 2nd time in just over a month for DUI on Wednesday afternoon.

He was apparently pulled over after police got complaints of someone speeding and "Driving All over the road". That SUV later crashed at a park and ride lot.

Henderson is facing charges of 2nd degree drunk riving, had a small amount of marijuana and drug paraphernalia with him.

Read the full story from the Minneapolis Star-Tribune RIGHT HERE

It's already been an eventful offseason for the Vikings who are looking for a new coach to take over for the departed Leslie Frazier. Henderson, a starter for the team, is going to have a lot of explaining to do. Whether it be his team owner Zygi Wilf, current GM Rick Spielman or whomever the new coach is.

Being pulled over for driving while intoxicated is NEVER a good thing, but one time, you can escape. 2nd time, you've got a problem you need to address, it happens again, his playing days will be over.

Henderson will be in court on March 3rd.

Pac Man Arrested For 8th Time In 8 Years, But As A Passenger This Time...

((HT: WXIX-TV))

Adam Jones was celebrating his 30th birthday over the weekend...

He was a passenger in an automobile that was pulled over by Ohio State Patrol officers...

The driver, Tishana Holmes, was arrested for operating a vehicle under the influence. Jones was arrested for disorderly conduct.

Both were released on their own recognizance, and the HQ thinks that Jones was trying to come to Holmes defense and probably bowed up to the police...
Which never really ends well- especially at 2:30 Monday morning...

Here's the walk of shame and other details...
FOX19.com-Cincinnati News, Weather

Hawks New Head Coach Busted For DUI (UPDATE W/Response From Attorney)

((HT: AJC/Morris))

This probably was not the way the new head coach of the Atlanta Hawks envisioned his new gig... (mugshot to the right, thanks

Atlanta City Jail)

Mike Budenholzer was charged with DUI and a tail light violation, and was released on $1,524 bond at 3:45 Thursday AM.

And what does the HQ say REPEATEDLY about events that happen after 1AM...???

Usually never good...

Just after 9 a.m. Thursday, the Hawks released a brief statement from president of basketball operations and general manager Danny Ferry:

“Bud made us aware of the situation last night. We are in the process of gathering more information and will have further comment at the appropriate time.”

When Budenholzer was pulled over by Georgia State Patrol, odor of alcohol was present (either on the person pulled over or in the vehicle itself- that information wasn't given), a field sobriety test was given, and Budenholzer was placed under arrest. GSP also says that Budenholzer refused a breath test.

Which is his option to do in the field when pulled over...

PM UPDATE: From The Hawks their own selves and 92.9 The Game through Budenholzer's attorney, Michael Hawkins

Last night, Atlanta Hawks head basketball coach Michael Budenholzer was stopped by a Georgia State Patrol DUI Task Force officer for a broken taillight. He was stopped solely for an equipment violation and committed no traffic offenses. The trooper demanded that he submit to a breathalyzer, and when Coach Budenholzer asked to consult with an attorney first, he was immediately arrested and charged with DUI.

While at the jail, after consulting with an attorney by telephone, he immediately volunteered to take both a breathalyzer and also requested that a blood alcohol test be performed. His request for testing was refused. Immediately upon his release on bond, Coach Budenholzer went directly to Piedmont Hospital where his blood was tested at the earliest opportunity, albeit several hours after his arrest. The official report from the hospital blood test revealed that his blood alcohol concentration was less than .01, well below the legal limit of .08.

Coach Budenholzer has no prior criminal record and entered a plea of Not Guilty to all charges this morning in the Atlanta Municipal Court.

The following statement was released through the coach's attorney:

“I take my role as a leader very seriously and hold myself to a high standard. I apologize to the fans and to the Hawks organization for any negative attention this incident has brought upon my family and the organization while the legal process evolves and I contest these misdemeanor charges,” said Coach Budenholzer.

OSG High: 6 Teens Injured In Car Crash, Some Recent HS Football Grads

((HT: Statesboro Herald/Bragg))

This has not been a good off-season for Georgia high school football...

Recently, the HQ has had to report on the death of three Brooks County (GA) football players in a truck crash. Now, we shift to just south of Augusta and where six teens — five that were on the Screven County (GA) High roster last year — were injured in a crash early Sunday morning.

Some are recovering from serious injuries, but two remain in the hospital awaiting surgery, according to friends and family.

And, frankly, looking at how the Georgia State Patrol has described the accident, the Hq has no idea how any of these people survived the crash...

Here's what the GSP says happened:

The accident report says the truck was traveling “at an extremely high rate of speed” when it went off the road onto the south shoulder and into a ditch.

The truck traveled in the ditch around 624 feet before striking a private driveway with its undercarriage, becoming airborne.

The truck traveled 57 feet in the air before striking a small tree.

Then it traveled 72 feet, hit a fence, entered a pasture where it traveled 336 feet before striking a second fence.

The truck began spinning counterclockwise, moving another 48 feet, before striking a second tree with its side.

Then it rotated clockwise another 18 feet before stopping in a wooded area.

Chance Harkins, a Gamecocks DB last season and enrolled at the University of the Cumberlands, was slated for surgery Monday for pelvic injuries, but it has been pushed back to Wednesday because of other surgeries in the hospital that he is currently in- according to his father, Shayne's, Facebook page. Harkins also suffered head trauma.

Both Harkins and TJ Heinemeyer (pictured, right from his Facebook page) suffered head injuries and were listed in

critical condition. Jeffrey Friese also suffered head injuries as he was behind the wheel of a Ford pick-up early Sunday morning.

Passengers in the truck were Harkins, Heinemeyer, Hyrum Robert “Bobby” Hodges, Dylan Edward Koch, and a 16-year-old minor

Heinemeyer and Friese, who graduated from Screven County High last year, were listed as offensive linemen.
Koch, a 2013 grad, was listed as a linebacker and suffered "upper body injuries," and the 16-year-old, whose lower body was injured, was listed as a wide receiver.

Holly Bragg caught up with Holly J. Smith- a mother whose daughter is friends with some of the injured:

From Smith through Bragg on Monday night:

“TJ (Heinemeyer) hasn’t shown any improvement. Chance (Harkins) is doing a little better. They both need surgery, but the brain injuries are the priorities. (The 16-year-old’s) surgery went well and he is resting and hungry. Jeffrey (Friese) and his family went home so he could rest. Dylan (Koch) is staying at the hospital to be by Chance’s side and Bobby (Hodges) is still the hero.”

Hodges reportedly helped responding troopers identify the others in the truck, she said.

All six were taken to a hospital in the Screven County seat of Sylvania. But some were transported to Georgia Regents Medical Center in Augusta.

Harkins, Friese and Koch are charged with not wearing a seat belt, according to GSP reports. Friese is also charged with DUI, reckless driving and failure to maintain lane.

More when we know more...

Patriots Dennard's Long Summer Continues (UPDATED With Dennard's Side)

((HT: 1011now.com Lincoln))

The long summer of former Nebraska cornerback Alfonso Dennard (mugshot pictured right, thanks 1011now.com) continues with his early morning arrest for DUI.

Dennard was pulled over a little after 2AM (and what does the HQ say about anything after 1AM?) and failed a field sobriety test...

He was taken to a Lincoln-area "detoxification center," but not a jail. He is also accused of refusing a chemical test and an unknown driving infraction. He has not been charged in any of the events from this morning.

Dennard was placed on two years of probation back in March after he was convicted for felony assault on a police officer back in April 2012. He is supposed to serve a 30-day jail sentence beginning March 1 for that conviction. According to court records, the first requirement of the probation is that Dennard "Shall not violate any laws and shall refrain from disorderly conduct or acts injurious to others."

Oops...

It is currently unknown how the arrest will affect his current probation status or the delayed jail sentence.
Here's the early morning coverage from Lincoln...


FRIDAY UPDATE: NFL Network's Ian Rapoport tweeted out some interesting information

Dennard twice took a breathalyzer and the results showed he was below the legal limit. However, the “officer told [Dennard] he hadn’t blown hard enough, thus the did not comply designation.”

Rapoport added that Dennard was not asked to take a blood test but did pass a field sobriety test.

Multiple Blaylock DUI Charges Knocked Down To Avoid Felony

((HT: WSB-TV))

If you or I had a DUI punched at a .272 or .36, there would be a few questions:

1) How were you allowed to do one after the other in public after getting pulled over...
2) How are you not dead...

It appears that former Atlanta Hawks guard Mookie Blaylock had some of his DUI charges knocked down from the possibility of having to face felonies and/or felony convictions...

The DA from the county denied that he made those charges a lesser variety, and we're still waiting to hear from the judge...

Here's Tom Jones

DEVELOPING: Blaylock Charges Upgraded (MONDAY UPDATE: Blaylock Turns Himself In)

((HT: AJC/WSB-TV))

So much for just the two minor charges...

With the death of Monica Murphy, the charges in the accident involving former NBA-star Mookie Blaylock have now been added to a few times over.

Second-degree vehicular homicide
Making an improper lane change
Driving on the wrong side of the road
Driving on a suspended license and,
Crossing into the median

All of the charges are misdemeanors, but Blaylock’s charges could be added to again when toxicology tests come back. Second-degree homicide means that the Clayton County (GA) DA's Office thinks there was no malice aforethought when Blaylock's car crossed the center line.

Here's Tom Jones with the husband of the woman killed in the acident
If Blaylock is found to be under the influence at the time of the accident, the vehicular homicide charges will be upgraded to first-degree... MONDAY UPDATE: Using a walker, Blaylock turned himself in to ... When asked about the crash, Blaylock only said, “No comment.” His wife told Jones he feels horrible about it. Naturally... Tom Jones was there when it all went down before Blaylock was transported to the county jail...

NBC "In Touch" With Michaels After Arrest

((HT: LA Times))

Spokesman Greg Hughes has acknowledged that the network has been "in touch" with Al Michaels after his DUI arrest and citation earlier Sunday morning. Michaels was cited for delivering a .08 on a breathalyzer exam over the weekend.

.08 is the high end of the legal limit for intoxication charges in the state of California.

Matt Stevens follow-up in the Times Monday morning has Santa Monica (CA) Sergeant Richard Lewis elaborating on the idea that they smelled alcohol and witnessed slurred speech:

“They pulled him over, detected the smell of alcoholic beverage, slurred speech, they did [field sobriety tests], arrested him, and then he was booked.”

Lewis said the department does not release the blood alcohol concentration of those arrested on suspicion driving under the influence, but added that Michaels was arrested on a violation of the vehicle code that includes driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 or greater.

TMZ is reporting that Michaels' BAC was just above .08
Michaels was booked on $5,000 bail and has a court date of June 26.
He was on the "Dan Patrick Show" a few days ago discussing stuff...
((HT: Dan Patrick Show))

Red Sox Prospect Hands Over Credit Card For Going 111 In A 45

Boston Red Sox pitching prospect Drake Britton was arrested over the weekend for DUI, reckless driving and property damage- all misdemeanors.

At 4:42AM Saturday morning...
And what is it the HQ continually says about things happening after 1AM...???

He was released 8 hours later on $2,250 bond and is due in court on the 18th.

Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald got to look at the police report...

With the officer in pursuit, Britton, according to the report, swerved between vehicles, eventually driving off the road, over a curb, down a decline and then drove through and knocked down a fence. Britton attempted to drive into the woods before finally coming to a stop. The officer approached Britton and decided he did not pose a threat. When the officer asked for an ID, Britton turned over his Bank of America Visa card. Britton admitted to drinking and the officer observed slurred speech, bloodshot watery eyes and the strong odor of alcohol.

Britton was among three cuts from the major league roster on Monday after spending spring training with the big league club. The 2007 draft pick spent last year in double-A.

Evidence below...
((HT: Mike Ashmore))

Cowboys LB Killed In Car Crash, Another Arrested For Intoxication Manslaughter

Dallas Cowboys DT Joshua Price-Brent (pictured, right thanks Irving Police Department)

has been charged with intoxication manslaughter by Irving (TX) police after his car flipped the curb while driving at a high rate of speed a little after 2AM local time this morning...

And what does the HQ say about nothing good happening after 1AM...???

Brent was the driver of the car that also had practice squad LB Jerry Brown as passenger. Jones was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

After Brown was pronounced dead, Irving police booked Price-Brent on the Intoxication Manslaughter charge.

Here's an episode of "Inside the Huddle" where Brent was a guest of Jay Ratliff and Matt Barrie last year...
((HT: SportsMedia))


PM UPDATE: Jerry Jones released the following statement:

"We are deeply saddened by the news of this accident and the passing of Jerry Brown. At this time, our hearts and prayers and deepest sympathies are with the members of Jerry's family and all of those who knew him and loved him."

Regrettably, it's not the only time that Brent has been busted for a DUI-related offense...

He was busted while at the University of Illinois in 2009 for DUI, driving on a suspended license and speeding. He was sentenced to 60 days in jail, two years probation, 200 hours of community service and a fine. As part of the plea bargain for agreeing to the DUI charge, prosecutors dropped an aggravated DUI/no valid driver's license charge.

Here's the first press conference from the Irving PD with Public Information Officer John Argumaniz...
((HT: KTVT-TV Dallas))

ICYMI: MIchael Turner gets DUI 4 hrs after game ends

(ajc.com)

We would have posted this earlier, but the day job got in the way.

Atlanta Falcons running back Michael Turner is in a bit of trouble tonight after being pulled over and arrested early Tuesday morning and being charged with DUI.

Turner had just finished playing in the Falcons game against Denver late Monday night. According to AJC.com, he was pulled over on 1-85 in Gwinnett County for doing 97 in a 65 zone. The officer involved smelled alcohol...and the rest, shall we say, is now history.

Contrary to various Tweets over the day Tuesday, Turner's BAC has yet to be released, so there is no truth--yet--to the rumor it was higher than his "Yards-per-carry" average Monday night.

Sticking with tradition, the Falcons haven't said much, we suspect Turner will get a tongue lashing, maybe a fine, will not be made available to the media on Wednesday and will play Sunday.

But we could be wrong. Maybe he'll apologize. Because his teammates probably aren't real happy with him, with this coming on the heels of a huge 27-21 win vs. the Broncos Monday night. He hasn't been in trouble before, so we are reasonably confident, the league won't get involved here either.

Turner was released from jail about 5am Tuesday morning after making bond.

Mark Grace Busted For DUI, Takes Leave From D'Backs

((HT: ABC15 Phoenix))

Arizona Diamondbacks TV analyst Mark Grace was arrested for DUI and released pending a complaint filing for Aggravated DUI, an expired registration plate, lacking a required interlocking device, and driving on a suspended license from a previous DUI in May of 2011...

The arrest was announced as a news release stated Grace is taking an indefinite leave of absence from his job as television color analyst for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Grace "has requested an indefinite leave of absence to seek personal assistance. Due to the nature of Grace’s request, the team will have no further comment on the matter at this time" according to a press release from the Arizona Diamondbacks

Sadly, it's malaprops like the one below that Gracie is known for these days more than anything... we just hope he gets the help he needs...
((HT: FSArizona/youtube))

Justin Blackmon: I'm done with drinking...for now

((ht: firstcoastnews.com))

Really....

Justin Blackmon is a 1st round NFL draft pick who's future is limitless...until he gets an aggravated DUI charge at 3am, which just adds to the 2010 DUI charge he got near his Texas family home, which mysteriously got lowered to an underage possession charge.

And the best he could muster during his "Apology" press conference is "I'm done with drinking for now". He says "I do not have a drinking problem" Oh, he's sorry for making a poor decision too.

Oh boy.

You guys in Jacksonville picked a winner.

Read about Blackmon and 

Yeah, we get the Jaguars G.M Gene Smith still likes and believes in Blackmon and heck, he may still turn into an NFL star. But this sure isn't a good start.

We know Jacksonville friends, "He's not the 1st person to get in trouble". And you are right, no, he isn't. But come on, you gotta come up with more than this.

Sure, we all know that kids will be kids and that is essentially what Blackmon is, but you also have to show some signs of being a responsible grown-up at some point in your life.

Blackmon will get to visit the NFL Drug and Alcohol counselors very soon and maybe then he admit that he has a problem. It's not something that can't be fixed.

But the impression being given right now by Blackmon and to a lesser extent his new employers is that "We hate that this happened, but sometimes it happens".

No, sorry, this time that answer isn't good enough.

Our friends at 1st Coast News and friend of the OSG, Dan Hicken give us the Blackmon presser:

This Isn't Good. Jaguars #1 Pick Justin Blackmon Arrested In Oklahoma

Once again we ask the question why someone who was a first round pick in the NFL draft, in line to make millions of dollars and be a cornerstone of a franchise do something as dumb as drinking too much then getting behind the wheel.

Jacksonville Jaguars #1 pick Justin Blackmon is the latest.  Blackmon, who was the fifth pick overall in the 2012 NFL draft, was arrested about 3 am by the Stillwater (OK) police department and booked at 10:22 in the Payne County Jail charged with aggravated DUI.
The Jaguars are aware of the arrest and have so far given the standard “no comment.”

According to NewsOK.com, Blackmon was stopped at approximately 3:01 a.m. in a white Chevy Tahoe going 60 miles per hour in a 35 mph zone.

According to the police report, Blackmon was observed to have an odor of an alcoholic beverage. He was unsteady on his feet, had slurred speech and admitted to consuming alcohol before driving.

Blackmon is expected to remain in custody until he sees a judge on Monday. Bond was set at $1000.
About is mind boggling is this is the second time Blackmon has been charged with a DUI. 

Back in October of 2010 Blackmon was arrested in Carrollton, Texas going 82 in a 60 mile per hour zone returning from a Dallas Cowboys game while playing at Oklahoma State.  He was charged with a misdemeanor DUI.

Blackmon's arrest becomes a PR nightmare for the Jaguars.  It calls into question if the Jaguars front office did any kind of background checks especially with a DUI arrest already on Blackmon's record.

For a franchise that's trying to reconnect with their fan base and make a go of it in North Florida/South Georgia this won't help their cause.

Blackmon was schedule to attend one of the team caravan stops in Waycross, GA on Friday. 

I'm willing to bet Blackmon might miss that.



.

Rays Pitcher Held On $1M Bail After DUI Wreck

((HT: WBBH-TV Ft Myers))

The HQ is under the impression that Tampa Rays pitcher Matt Bush is in deep doo-doo after, allegedly, driving under the influence and running into a 72-year-old Floridian, Tony Tufano, as he was driving a motorcycle on the streets of Port Charlotte, Florida.

Bush is being held on multiple charges: some DUI-related and some for leaving the scene of an accident. Bush apparently, did this while he was driving on a suspended license as well...

The Florida Highway Patrol says Bush kept driving after hitting Tufano. Bush remembers "hitting a tree" before the accident involving Trufano, but doesn't recall anything about the accident.

Bush's attorney, Russell Kirshy, said Bush would probably enter rehab once he makes bond. Kirshy said, "We hope and pray the victim is OK and we hope and pray we can get Matt back on track."

Here's the latest...


The Tufano family spoke to the folks at WINK-TV in Ft Myers as well...

Bush's arraignment is set for late May...

Bobby Jenks has a bad night: Facing DUI charges

Bobby Jenks

Getting pulled over for a DUI charge is never a good thing. It's worse if you are a professional athlete.

Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Bobby Jenks is facing multiple DUI related charges after the car he was driving early Friday morning after driving too fast and careening off the road and onto the sidewalk.

Jenks said it was because he was under the influence of "Too many Muscle Relaxers" which may...or may not be true. Either way, he should not have been behind the wheel of his Mercedes and will now pay the price for his decision.

Read a story from the Boston Herald about the incident RIGHT HERE

It might be noted that Jenks also admitted he was on the way home after leaving a nightclub called "Babes" and admitted to hitting a car in the club's parking lot.

The Red Sox, for their part haven't had much to say. They may consider nominating Jenks for a Darwin award because whether he was drinking or not, he did a whole host of really, really stupid things.

TE Prospect Orson Charles charged with DUI

Orson Charles

((ht: ajc.com))

This is never a good way to increase your draft stock.

It appears that now former University of Georgia tight end and current NFL draft candidate Orson Charles is in some trouble with the law.

According to reports, Charles was arrested early Friday morning and booked on DUI charges.

Charles is considered one of the top tight end prospects in April's NFL draft. He's been charted as a possible late 1st round or early 2nd round pick.

No guarantee that this will impact his draft stock, but it will certainly make some teams take a closer look at or throw his off of their draft boards.