Phoenix Mercury suspends WNBA star Taurasi after DUI arrest
Posted on:7/21/2009
Written By: Chris Robideaux
| WNBA star Diana Taurasi has been suspended by the Phoenix Mercury. The guard and three-time All-Star will sit out two games without pay for "conduct detrimental to the team", it was announced last Thursday |
WNBA star Diana Taurasi has been suspended by the Phoenix Mercury. The guard and three-time All-Star will sit out two games without pay for "conduct detrimental to the team", it was announced last Thursday. Taurasi, who was cited for DUI on July 2, will miss the team's games on Saturday against Detroit, and July 22 versus Minnesota.
"I am deeply sorry and embarrassed for causing this distraction for my teammates, the Phoenix Mercury, the WNBA, family and fans," Taurasi said. "While I cannot say more with regards to the specifics of the case, I do want to make sure that everyone knows how much I appreciate their support and that I've learned a valuable lesson. I am committed to making sure a lot of good comes from this experience."
The Arizona Republic originally reported that Taurasi was pulled over at 2:30 a.m. for allegedly speeding and lane violations.
A Phoenix police officer detected the smell of alcohol and conducted field sobriety tests. The Phoenix Police Department stated she refused a breath test and was forced to draw blood in a mobile DUI van. She was cited and later released.
The 27-year-old Taurasi was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2004 WNBA draft, a three-time NCAA champion with Connecticut and Olympic gold medalist. She captured Rookie of the Year honors in her first season with Phoenix and helped the Mercury to the WNBA Championship in 2007.