La Russa arrested for DWI

by kingcritical on Mar 22, 2007 10:28 AM EDT

Tony La Russa was arrested this morning and charged with drunk driving.

The 62-year-old La Russa gave two breath samples and had a blood alcohol content of 0.093 percent, Jupiter police said in a statement. Florida's legal driving limit is 0.08 percent.
Undercover officers saw La Russa's SUV partly in an intersection around midnight and not moving despite two green lights, police said. Officers knocked on the vehicle's window and La Russa did not initially respond.
The SUV was in drive and running, with La Russa's foot on the brake, police said. When he eventually woke up, the officers asked him to get out of the car.

So what do we make of this story? Anyone think it is a big deal? I, for one, would be pissed if it were Willie.

I'd expect such behavior by star athletes, but to see it by such a revered manager is pretty surprising. Then again, I know that some states have lowered the DWI threshold from .10 to .08, and he blew a .093, so it's not like he was completely 'faced.

But to "fall asleep" (read: pass out) at a stoplight with your foot on the brake? That's bad.

Schadenfreude, anyone?

Update: Here is an ESPN story with a little more information.

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Comments

This annoys me to no end

Blowing a .093 is big deal, that means he probably had at least 5 drinks and probably more. I take this very seriously because things like thisI am disgusted when athletes do it and its even worse when a authority figure does. Call a damn car service for Christ sake, its not like he doesn't have the cash.

its a ground ball...trickling... its a fair ball, its by Buckner, rounding third Knight, the Mets will win the ballgame, the Mets win

by DoctorK16 on Mar 22, 2007 11:44 AM EDT reply actions

worse

TLR doesn't think he should have to answer questions about it. Asshole.

its a ground ball...trickling... its a fair ball, its by Buckner, rounding third Knight, the Mets will win the ballgame, the Mets win

by DoctorK16 on Mar 22, 2007 11:45 AM EDT reply actions

He shouldn't talk.

He's been charged with DWI, a criminal offense. Rule #1, as even the greenest lawyer knows, is keep your mouth shut, and not just when dealing with the police. Anything incriminating you say to the press can be used against you too.

by madisonmetsfan on Mar 22, 2007 8:34 PM EDT up reply actions

I suppose thats true

But he should just at least say that. Don't pretend like people are out of line for asking about it.

its a ground ball...trickling... its a fair ball, its by Buckner, rounding third Knight, the Mets will win the ballgame, the Mets win

by DoctorK16 on Mar 22, 2007 8:37 PM EDT up reply actions

Jerk

Cardinals manager Tony La Russa evidently is through discussing Thursday's DUI arrest. Texas Tech coach Bobby Knight -- a close friend -- accompanied him to today's game at Tradition Field and La Russa did not entertain questions on the subject. When a reporter asked if Knight "kidded" him about falling asleep at the wheel, La Russa snapped, "Why don't you go ask him?" The Cards manager probably hoped the cantankerous Knight would punch the reporter in the face. But the exchange continued, with La Russa pointing toward the Mets dugout and saying, "Why don't you go stand over there." Perhaps a veiled reference to the New York media. Hey, we like scandalous behavior as much as the next guy. Does that make us bad people?

http://blogs.trb.com/sports/baseball/mets/blog/

Asshole.

its a ground ball...trickling... its a fair ball, its by Buckner, rounding third Knight, the Mets will win the ballgame, the Mets win!!!

by DoctorK16 on Mar 23, 2007 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions

hmm.

Asleep at the wheel with his foot on the brake? At least no one can say it's reminiscent of his managerial style. (That would've been more like crashing while trying to adjust the radio, send a text message, and read the newspaper.)

by anonymous on Mar 22, 2007 12:15 PM EDT reply actions

Nice Mugshot!

I thought I had landed on a Nick Nolte website.

by dd on Mar 22, 2007 4:23 PM EDT reply actions

Two Thoughts

1 - Why did fans applaud him today? He did something illegal and dangerous. It is not like he just overcome something major in his life and deserves our support. Drunk driving is a big deal - it kills people.

2 - With friends like Braden Looper who needs enemies.

by millsy on Mar 22, 2007 5:47 PM EDT reply actions