Dontrelle DUI

Uh oh...

I just dropped his grade from an A+ to a C-. He's obviously a bad apple who'll never make it in baseball. </snark>

by bigfatdrunk on Dec 22, 2006 9:41 AM EST reply actions

Says the man

with the name BigFatDrunk.

by madisonp on Dec 22, 2006 10:00 AM EST up reply actions

tag

it was snark...sarcasm.

by bigfatdrunk on Dec 22, 2006 10:30 AM EST up reply actions

limo

i'll never understand why millionaires dont use a private limo when they go out drinking.

by dmb60614 on Dec 22, 2006 10:21 AM EST reply actions

Same reason

people don't take a cab home (or the bus).

by The Colonel on Dec 22, 2006 10:35 AM EST up reply actions

come on

i like dontrelle, i want the mets to trade for him, i think hes a really good guy...but lets not let him off the hook here because yes it is a big deal

the guy is probably in the top 200 most admired/influential people in the country PLUS a large percentage of his followers are kids...and hes driving drunk...and thats not a big deal?

its a big deal when the average joe does it because the bottomline is you're risking my life cause i'm driving too...and if you're risking my life then i consider that to be kind of a big deal...but when a respected athlete does it? who can afford limos, drivers, etc. and clearly has a large influence on how a lot of kids turn out, whether thats fair to the kids or to the athlete or not, its fucked up

don't think i'm overreacting at all, maybe i'm actually underreacting...if thats not a big deal to you then you've got to re-evaluate some things...i know people are desensitized to it since we hear about it so often with athletes and others but next time you get t-boned on the highway by a drunk let me know if its not a big deal

by Rob Castellano on Dec 22, 2006 11:34 AM EST reply actions

I agree

with robcast23...its NOT a big deal to me; as in I am not going to like D-Train less because of his mistake. But what will make me like him less is if HE doesnt treat it like its a big deal and brushes it aside. He needs to make a sincere public apology, and then probably make some appearances to talk to kids about his mistake. I'm sure he'll do all of this, because I really do think hes a great kid.

by Papelbonificent on Dec 22, 2006 12:14 PM EST reply actions

well said...

this, and robcast23's post, capture my thoughts. Everyone is entitled to make mistakes, we all do. It is how you react to those mistakes that matters most.

by dbimberg on Dec 22, 2006 12:28 PM EST up reply actions

+1

ding.

by Transmission on Dec 22, 2006 12:43 PM EST reply actions

Personally

I have never heard of 25 year olds making mistakes. I don't know about you all though.

by limozeen on Dec 22, 2006 1:24 PM EST reply actions

thats weird

i didnt see anyone crucifying him. i can say that hes a stupid asshole for doing it though. And i think its fair to hold him to slightly higher standards than the sh*t for brains local frat boy whos swerving down the road after a kegger. He's a millionaire and one of the main spokespeople for baseball. It's not that difficult to arrange transportation like the rest of us responsible people do

by PooNani on Dec 22, 2006 1:58 PM EST up reply actions

He did probably just lose about

3 Million in revenue. I am basing this prediction on his agent being able to sell him as somone who has NO off field issues and pushing for an extra 500 grand a year for 6 years on his FA contract.

He is punished enough.

by novaoakland on Dec 22, 2006 1:51 PM EST reply actions

re:

Given the market for quality starting lefthanders, he could probably pull an OJ Simpson and still squeeze 100 million out of some owner (cough...Steinbrenner..cough).

by SmokeyJoeWood on Dec 22, 2006 2:30 PM EST up reply actions

hahahaha

that was a good one until you poked fun of Mr. Steinbrenner.

Dutin Pedroia .... a poor man's Ronny Cedeno - Theo Epstein

by the pinstripes on Dec 22, 2006 4:08 PM EST up reply actions

You mean

Mr "I needed to be pardoned by my buddy the president"?

God rested one day out of 7, Felix rests 4 out of 5.

by CrimsonLiederhosen on Dec 22, 2006 10:06 PM EST up reply actions

Let's just....

withold our judgement of him until he is actually convicted. We have no breath test or anything. He was arrested for suspicion of drunk driving. I think he is still innocent until proven guilty is he not?

For all we know, he only had a couple beers and was below the legal limit. He could have just been scared and that is why he refused the BA. Let's not be so eager to call him "a stupid asshole".

by Boxkutter on Dec 22, 2006 2:08 PM EST reply actions

He is NOT GUILTY until proven Guilty.

NO one is inocent.

by novaoakland on Dec 22, 2006 2:22 PM EST up reply actions

"We have no breath test or anything."

I'm firmly in the "he made a mistake, lets not get on our soapboxes" camp, but come on...

The only time a guy refuses a breathalyzer is when he knows he's hammered. He's guilty.

Plus, in some states, once you refuse the breathalyzer, you are automatically guilty on lesser charges (which is why people refuse it). I've no idea if that is the case in FL.

by SmokeyJoeWood on Dec 22, 2006 2:35 PM EST up reply actions

Sorry, but you are wrong...

the only time someone refuses to submit a breathalyzer is not just when they are hammered. There are several possible reasons.

One, the cop could have been a prick to him, so he decided not to make the officer's job any easier.

Two, you should ALWAYS refuse the test and ask for a blood test instead. They are much more accurate and not swayed by an officer's beliefs (some machines still have a little needle, and some officers always go on the highside of what the needle points to).

Three, maybe he was just slightly over the limit (not "hammered") and knows well enough that when you ask for a blood test instead, it takes awhile and let's your body metabolize the alcohol a little more, thus decreasing your BAC by the time you actually have the blood drawn.

I do believe all states can force you to give either a urine, blood, or breath sample because they have reasonable suspicion that you are drunk. It's just harder to do. But, also some states, like New Mexico, will automatically charge you with an Aggravated DWI if you refuse all three and they have to get a quick warrant to make you provide the sample. That is, if it came back over the legal limit.

Like I said, there are many reasons to refuse a breath test. Believing that people only do that when hammered is inaccurate and is just jumping to conclusions. I say that as someone who works in the Criminal Justice System, and has also been convicted of a DWI before. Anyone in the system will tell you, you should always refuse the breath and ask for them to draw blood.

by Boxkutter on Dec 22, 2006 3:46 PM EST up reply actions

point taken, but...

once you factor in him peeing in the street in a nightclub area at 4:30 am, smelling of booze and failing the field sobriety test, it becomes difficult to buy any of that.

unless the cop fabricated the report. which is possible, considering it is the south, and dontrelle is a black kid driving a $200,000 car.

by SmokeyJoeWood on Dec 22, 2006 4:01 PM EST up reply actions

Dude

It's Miami f'n Beach, that's not the south. It's not like he was on some side street or something either, according to the report.

by Brickhaus on Dec 22, 2006 4:14 PM EST up reply actions

hmmmm...

Miami Beach not the south? I must have skipped georgaphy class when they taught that one.

I'm sure the Miami-Dade police force has it's fair share of rednecks.

Jim Morrison was arrested there for some minor thing (i.e. for being a hippie).

by SmokeyJoeWood on Dec 22, 2006 5:24 PM EST up reply actions

Hippies should be arrested

and beaten.

Seriously dude that was 20+ years ago.

by novaoakland on Dec 22, 2006 5:27 PM EST up reply actions

30

by SmokeyJoeWood on Dec 22, 2006 6:36 PM EST up reply actions

40!

wow, time flies.

20 years ago, Back To The Future was made. It doesn't seem like 20 years, does it?

by SmokeyJoeWood on Dec 22, 2006 6:38 PM EST up reply actions

If memory serves

Jim Morrison was arrested in Miami for whipping out his member on stage at a show -- and I don't mean a band member. I don't think he was singing Crustal Ship at the time ;-).

by igreen01 on Dec 22, 2006 11:25 PM EST up reply actions

I've been told numerous times

Always deny a breathalizer. THey have some issues with accuracey and best case you save an hour while they process you to sober up.

by novaoakland on Dec 22, 2006 5:15 PM EST up reply actions

subject

My lawyer has told me the same thing. No matter what don't blow. She said let them arrest you and then give her a call. She said if you blow and it shows up positive for whatever reason there is nothing she can do.

by Josh @ Minor League Ball on Dec 22, 2006 6:13 PM EST up reply actions

by the way

Chew breath-freshening gum. It contains alcohol. If they make you blow once (and it's a nominal amount) you at least have something to contest in court.

Of course, the real moral of the story is don't drink and drive. Seriously. It's bad for you.

by limozeen on Dec 22, 2006 8:43 PM EST up reply actions

That's nice in Cali

But it doesn't fly in Florida. Refusing the breathalizer is an automatic DUI there.

by Brickhaus on Dec 23, 2006 4:45 AM EST up reply actions

Not exactly

In Florida, the law is if you refuse a breathilyzer, you automatically lose your license for a year. Basically the same as a DUI.

by Brickhaus on Dec 22, 2006 4:12 PM EST up reply actions

yes

This is the law in Minnesota as well.

by limozeen on Dec 22, 2006 8:41 PM EST up reply actions

he wasn't to drunk

How drunk could he have been? He had enough sense to get out of his Bentley and pee. I'm sure it is cheaper to pay for the Dui then to get pee stains cleaned up in a Bentley.

It was a dumb move for Mr. Willis to make, but I don't see the sense in bashing him, or suggesting he owes anyone an apology. He made a mistake. Not one person on this board can say they have lived a mistake free life.

I also think it is foolish to think this effects his value on the market at all. Like a gm gives a shit about one dui.Sure didn;t seem to effect furcal when he signed with the dodgers.

Look at a guy like Gooden. He is in and out of rehab. Bangs hookers. And the boss is till willing to give him a job. Once you are one of the boys they take care of you.

by Josh @ Minor League Ball on Dec 22, 2006 3:09 PM EST reply actions

Willis' future value is more than that of just

a pitcher. He is a great personality and that smile is worth a crap load to a team looking for star power.

Furcal been in any Comericals lately? NOPE... Those nuts at MADD would boycott.

GM's take into account more than how they play.

by novaoakland on Dec 22, 2006 5:18 PM EST up reply actions

subject

Before his arrest was Furcal in any commercials? I must of missed when he was a media darling.

You know who does show up in commercials? Ray Lewis, I guess he wasn't busted for a DUI though.

How about Pais Hilton? You think her Dui is going to stop her from being in commercials?

Madd has bigger fish to fry then boycotting a comercial with Furcal in it. And to think they will go after some like Willis is crazy. Don't think for a sec. his agent won;t play the race card and ask why madd hasn't protested every white players commercials after they got busted for a dui. You think Madd wants to get labeled as a racist group? I think thye will avoid the hassle.

by Josh @ Minor League Ball on Dec 22, 2006 6:21 PM EST up reply actions

Willis is different

he is special.

by novaoakland on Dec 24, 2006 4:05 PM EST up reply actions

I'm so freakin' tired ...

of having to read about celebrities and their DUI's. Why aren't front-page stories published when Joe Schmoe gets a DUI? Because it has nothing to do with the issue of drunk driving ... and everything to do with society's sick fascination with celebrity.

by StickRat on Dec 22, 2006 6:56 PM EST reply actions

subject

You don't think Willis getting a Dui should be big news? Not like much else is going on in the world.

by Josh @ Minor League Ball on Dec 22, 2006 8:15 PM EST up reply actions

I agree with both of you....

in a sense.

Nothing is going on, so it's fine to report it.

But don't pretend you're reporting about anything other than gossip. Make a few Dontrelle jokes, and move on. Because people get DUIs all the time, and the implications are minimal. Pretending that this is a sign that Dontrelle is a troubled soul, or suggesting that this will cost Dontrelle more than community service hours, a couple thou for a lawyer and cab fairs for a while is hyping nothing into something.

All in all, even though I don't have a problem with "gossip," I am really tired of DUI stories, and whole-heartedly agree with stickrat's point: These are interesting stories because of celebrity, not issues. It's like pretending we were all following the Chuck Finley case because we're also so concerned about the unheard voices of men beaten by women. I'm not saying drunken driving isn't a problem in this country, but the degree to which it is a problem is the very reason why it ISN'T news when someone gets arrested for one.

On the subject, though: I just read on ESPN.com today that Antonio Bryant is being suspended four games for his DUI. Do you think there'll ever be a day when the MLB gets enough control to implement rules like this? Why is it that the NFL DOES want to have this type of regulation? Other thoughts on differences?

by bleedjaxblue on Dec 22, 2006 8:29 PM EST up reply actions

The Bryant issue

I do consider that my business, because it happened in my home county, wherein it becomes my business. That said, the Bryant case has yet to be tried, and what caused his suspension has not been disclosed. So, I can't really form an opinion concerning the suspension. As for the DUI, I'll reserve opinion until he is tried. And even at that, it will be a casual run-of-the-mill opinion. As for the Willis incident, I really consider it none of my business because Miami ain't my turf.

by StickRat on Dec 23, 2006 2:55 AM EST up reply actions

subject

I think you missed my point. I don't care if willis got a dui or not. None of my business. I would rather reporters focused on more important issues that we face today.

by Josh @ Minor League Ball on Dec 23, 2006 3:56 PM EST up reply actions

This is funny

D-Train piss in street. haha

I love this guy more. I tell you, its Miami. Better get him out before he starts shitting in sewers.

Everybody who drinks gets drunk once upon a time. Those who get drunk will do it in public. Those who do it in public will eventually get themselves in trouble.

He means too much to too many people for him to screw up again. D-Train will just get a babysitter.

Whatever. Just as long as he can still pitch.

In the name of David Wright, Jose Reyes, and Lastings Milledge. Amen.

by BlackOps on Dec 22, 2006 10:11 PM EST reply actions

I don't drink and drive...

...cause I might spill my drink.

by chri5 on Dec 23, 2006 1:08 AM EST reply actions

I don't think this will ever stop

As long as athletes can get away with drinking and driving with a slap on the wrist or refusing a breathlyzer test and getting the charges dropped, we will NEVER see an end to this DUI crap. The other athletes who've been caught have set bad examples for the young athletes today, JJ Redick got caught damnit.

Start throwing them in jail and have a zero tolerance policy and we can put an end to this bullsh!t.

Go Jays!!!!

by achengy on Dec 23, 2006 2:31 AM EST reply actions

"start throwing them in jail"

for DUIs? I'm all for athletes being held to the same standard as other citizens, but normal citizens DO NOT see a cell for a dewey, unless they so chose. You have to do some serious shit -- multiple offenses, property damage, absurd BACs (though I still don't think that would do it on a first offense) -- to get mandatory jailtime for a DUI, at least in every state I know about.

Slap an orange jacket on Dontrelle and send him out for a few days of weekend work. Send Jamal or Ray Lewis to jail.

by bleedjaxblue on Dec 23, 2006 3:49 AM EST up reply actions

jamal lewis?

seeling pot > DUI? i don't know... it's debatable. pot is pretty harmless.

by SmokeyJoeWood on Dec 23, 2006 3:57 AM EST reply actions

selling pot?

I don't think you and I are thinking of the same Jamal Lewis, because the Jamal Lewis I'm talking about helped broker a deal for 5 kilograms of cocaine. Does this refresh your memory? http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/football/bal-te.sp.jamal18aug18,1,1363873.story?coll=bal-football -storyutil

Maybe you're confusing Lewis with Nate Newton, but Newton DID get real time (200 years, in fact), since it was 388 POUNDS (between the two charges) of marijuana he was trying to sell.

I'm not here to say pot is bad or DUIs are bad -- I'd be a hell of a hypocrit if I did -- or which was is worse. I think it's pretty undeniable that Lewis' ACTUAL crime IS worse, but that's still not the point. The point is, if a everyday citizen were caught trying to broker and distribute a deal for 5 kis of coke -- well, let's just say that the Ravens wouldn't have been able to let Chester Taylor leave for Minnesota.

by bleedjaxblue on Dec 23, 2006 4:05 AM EST up reply actions