Wolves suspend Jefferson for DWI arrest
February 28, 2010
MINNEAPOLIS (AP)—Minnesota Timberwolves star center Al Jefferson(notes) apologized tothe team and fans Sunday after his arrest on suspicion of DWI following aweekend loss to Portland.
The Timberwolves suspended Jefferson for the next two games without pay—apunishment Jefferson said he accepts.
“I want to apologize to the entire Timberwolves organization, owner GlenTaylor, my teammates, coaches and Wolves fans everywhere for my actions lastnight,” Jefferson said in a statement released Sunday by the Timberwolves. “Imade a very poor decision and I am truly sorry for that. As a leader on thisteam, I know that more is expected of me, and I am disappointed in myself.”
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A Minnesota State Patrol trooper stopped Jefferson, 25, on Interstate 394near downtown Minneapolis early Sunday for speeding and changing lanes withoutsignaling, patrol spokesman Lt. Eric Roeske said.
After taking a field sobriety test, Jefferson was taken to Hennepin CountyMedical Center for a blood test, which he had agreed to, then to Hennepin CountyJail on suspicion of fourth-degree driving while impaired, Roeske said.Jefferson was released after an hour in jail and faces an April 23 courtappearance.
Results of the blood test are expected in two to three weeks, Roeske said.He said the trooper noted that Jefferson was “very cooperative.” Jefferson’svehicle was towed away, Roeske said.
Jefferson led the Timberwolves with 19 points in Saturday night’s 110-91loss to the Trail Blazers at Target Center. He’s averaging 17.7 points and 9.6rebounds a game.
David Kahn, Timberwolves president of basketball operations, said Jefferson“feels terrible” about what happened.
“On behalf of the Timberwolves organization, we are disappointed that Alused poor judgment last night. Thankfully, nobody was injured or hurt,” Kahnsaid in a statement Sunday.
“Having spoken to Al, I can assure everybody associated with our franchisethat Al understands this is a matter of the utmost seriousness. He feelsterrible about what occurred and I believe him when he says he will learn fromhis mistake,” Kahn said.
But Kahn said it’s appropriate that Jefferson be suspended for the Wolves’games at Dallas Wednesday and at home against Houston Saturday.
The 6-foot-10 Jefferson missed the last 2 1/2 months of last season afterinjuring his right knee and undergoing surgery. Telephone calls to his agent’soffice were not immediately returned Sunday.
AP Sports Writer Jon Krawczynski of Minneapolis contributed to this report.
