I hate the Steelers. Always have, always will. But there’s a lesson to be learned from Steelers’ wide reciever Hines Ward latest DUI arrest.
Hines was stopped in the early morning hours by Atlanta police driving his Ashton Martin. He admitted to drinking “two beers” (why is it always “two beers”?) earlier in the evening. Ward then agreed to take field sobriety tests. The officer said that Ward “failed” the tests. He was then arrested and charged with DUI.
First and foremost, Ward shouldn’t have been drinking and driving. We all know that. But if you’re going to have a beer and drive, leave the fancy Aston Martin at home and drive something less snazzy. Maybe a BMW or Mercedes. Also, if you’re out at 2:30 a.m. in an Aston Martin, chances are a cop is going to pull you over just to make sure the car isn’t stolen.
During the police encounter, Ward incriminated himself by admitting that he had beer earlier in the evening. That makes the Government’s job easier when they prosecute him. If you have been drinking and are stopped by police, don’t admit to drinking anything. Don’t lie and say you haven’t either. Just ask for your lawyer. (That’s me by the way)
Lastly, Ward took the Field Sobriety Tests and apparently one of them wasn’t even “standardized”. (The “alphabet test” is not one of the approved standardized field sobriety tests) Look, when you’re pulled over by the police and you’ve had a couple of beer, you’re going to be nervous. Why agree to perform a series of balancing tests in the middle of the night on the side of the road while blue lights pulse around you like you’re in some LA nightclub? Politely, and I mean politely, decline the officer’s request to take the test and again ask for your lawyer. Maybe Hines thought he could pass the tests with those moves he used to win Dancing with the Stars?
Now to recap: Steelers suck, if you’re stopped by the police don’t say anything or do anything and call me for assistance.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended as general information purposes only, and is not a substitute for legal advice. Anyone with a legal problem should consult a lawyer immediately.