Todd Helton was arrested for suspicion of DUI
For all of the talk about PED abuse being a huge problem in Major League Baseball, I think in reality, players getting DUIs is a much bigger problem. Whenever there's a player arrested for driving under the influence, it's usually swept under the rug pretty quickly, and penalties from the league are nearly nonexistent.
Colorado Rockies first baseman Todd Helton was arrested on Tuesday evening for suspicion of DUI, but was released and hasn't been charged as of Wednesday afternoon. Both the Rockies and Helton released statements regarding the arrest.
First, from the Rockies.
We were extremely disappointed to learn that Todd was arrested this morning. This type of behavior is taken very seriously by our organization. We know that he clearly understands the seriousness of his poor decision, the harm that could have been inflicted on others and the embarrassment his mistake has caused to himself, his family, the Colorado Rockies organization and to Major League Baseball.
Todd is taking full accountability for his actions with his family, his fans and the organization. The man we have grown to know has strong values that are grounded in his family and hard work. Todd clearly understands the severity of the situation.
And then, from Helton.
"Last evening I exercised poor judgment and was charged with drinking and driving after driving to a gas station near my house. I am very sorry and embarrassed by my actions. I hold myself to a high standard and take my responsibility as a public figure very seriously. My entire career I have worked to set a positive example for my family and in our community and I fell far short of this standard.
I sincerely ask my family, the Colorado Rockies Organization, Major League Baseball and the community to accept my apology. I make no excuses and accept full responsibility for my actions. I humbly ask your forgiveness."
It's pretty sad that this is going to go down as a minor blip on the radar, while Ryan Braun is getting flayed by the media for simply having his name on a piece of paper at a PED-pushing doctor's office. Hopefully, the league starts treating players, coaches, and executives that are arrested for DUI a little more harshly, because their lack of response to any arrests is pretty sad. Say what you want to say about the draconian personal conduct policies of the NFL and NBA, but they're at least trying to stop issues like this from happening.
[9News]
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I've been a fan of the Rockies' since day one and saw Todd as a rookie and have been a fan of his and felt him to been a fine young man and a good example for the young boys & girls who love baseball. But I don't care how long you play, how good you are on the field, how long you put up such a good image, when you make a mistake as this that could endanger so many people lives, for any reason especially such a foolish one, you must be punished like any other citizen. It is wrong to "get by" because you are a star. He will be forgiven by the fans because one mistake does not ruin a career or live of goodness, but there are still consequences to this type of poor decision.
Really dude? A bigger problem? According to players, MOST have cheated. Do most drink and drive? Also- you can have a drink and it's legal. Little more and you're busted (legit) for DUI. You can't have a "little bit" of roids and be legal.
