Ward's Agent: 'Not A Crime To Drink And Drive'
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Hines Ward's agent is downplaying his client's recent DUI arrest.
Ward was arrested early Saturday morning near Atlanta after he reportedly hit a curb while weaving in his Aston Martin.
However, his agent said that doesn't mean that Ward was impaired by alcohol.
According to a police report, the officer reports a strong odor of alcohol coming from Ward's car. His eyes were allegedly bloodshot red and a breathalyzer shows he blew a .128 blood alcohol level, which is far over the legal limit of .08.
Andrew Ree told KDKA-TV's Paul Martino that everyone is making too big of a deal out of this.
In an explanation that only a lawyer can make, Ree pointed out that it's not a crime to drink and drive. The crime is to drive when you are impaired.
Ree said Ward was definitely not impaired.
Ward has a stellar reputation off the field. From working with bi-racial kids in his native South Korea, to serving on President Barack Obama's advisory commission on Asian-Americans, to recently winning the "Dancing with the Stars" title, Ward is highly regarded among NFL players.
However, that reputation was tarnished along a highway in DeKalb County, Ga. Saturday morning when he was handcuffed, arrested and charged with driving under the influence.
According to TMZ, Ward's night started at the Oasis gentleman's club. Later, he went to the Buckhead Bottle Bar.
TMZ quotes both employees and patrons as saying Ward did not appear to have any problems walking or talking.
Just a few miles away from the Buckhead Bottle Bar, Ward was arrested for driving under the influence.
His agent said Ward never took a breathalyzer.
He was released on $1,300 bond and a hearing has been scheduled for October.
Ward will likely face a one-year suspension of his driver's license for refusing a breathalyzer.
As for the NFL, there won't be any discussion of discipline for Ward until after the lockout.
RELATED LINKS
More Sports News
More Reports About Hines Ward
More Reports From Paul Martino
FOLLOW US:
KDKA On Facebook
KDKA On Twitter
Follow KDKA Personalities
