Prosecutors: Giants' David Diehl Arraigned On DWI Charges After Soccer Celebration In Astoria
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/WFAN) — Giants offensive lineman David Diehl was arraigned Monday on two counts of driving while intoxicated, according to prosecutors.
Diehl was released following his court appearance, but has had his New York driving privileges revoked, prosecutors said.
1010 WINS' Juliet Papa reports
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Late Monday morning, Diehl was walked out of a police station on his way to court. After appearing before a judge he had nothing to say as he walked past reporters. His sullen appearance was in stark contrast to his happiness Sunday, seen in images taken just before his arrest.
The 6-foot-5, 300-pound athlete of Croatian descent had been in an Astoria bar watching the Croatian soccer team. The 31-year-old lineman tweeted, "Goooooaaaaaallllllllllllllll!!!!!" during the 3-1 win over Ireland in the teams' opening group play match of the European Soccer Championships.
A fan also tweeted a photo of Diehl decked out Sunday night in Croatia's red-and-white soccer jersey.
Around 8:20 p.m., police said Diehl drove off alone in a BMW and smashed into several parked cars a few blocks away at Broadway and 31st Street.
No one was injured, but Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said in a statement that Diehl "was observed by the officer to have a strong odor of alcohol on his breath, bloodshot and watery eyes, slurred speech and to be unsteady on his feet."
"I saw them giving him the walking test. He looked alright, I mean he didn't look that bad actually," said witness Chris Fotiou. "I don't know what the Breathalyzer said after, but he wasn't like he couldn't walk either."
But that's not what neighbor Jerry Brians said he saw.
"He looked pretty tired, very drunk. Very slouchy, police had him walk a straight line and he couldn't do it," Brians told CBS 2's John Slattery.
"I came down to check and make sure my car wasn't hit," neighbor Jerry Leazer added.
A Breathalyzer test allegedly showed that Diehl had a blood alcohol content reading of .182 percent, more than twice the legal limit of .08, prosecutors said.
Peter Schaffer, Diehl's agent, hasn't commented about the incident, but said Diehl is one of the classiest people he has ever represented, adding that Diehl does a lot for the community and they will take it one step at a time.
Sunday morning, Diehl was in photos posted on Twitter attending a charity golf tournament to support a child who is quadriplegic.
Just days ago, Diehl, who was drafted in 2003, celebrated with his fellow Super Bowl-winning Giants. They were honored at the White House by President Barack Obama.
Giants punter Steve Weatherford voiced "full support" for his teammate via Twitter on Monday.
"Everyone has made a mistake," Weatherford wrote. "Dave Diehl has been a Giant for 10 years, and been role model longer than that. He has my full support."
Diehl is due back in court in July. If convicted, he faces up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Under the NFL's substance abuse and personal conduct policy, Diehl could be facing a fine or suspension from the league.
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