Former Louisville basketball star Russ Smith was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving in Kentucky over the weekend, according to online records. The 34-year-old player, who once played in the NCAA championship-winning team which was later stripped of the title, was cited for driving across multiple lanes and having expired registration tags.
According to the Louisville Courier Journal, officers noted that the driver had a strong odor of alcoholic beverages and failed a field sobriety test. Smith’s blood alcohol content was recorded at 0.073, which is above the legal limit of 0.04 but below the 0.08 threshold. Kentucky law allows for DUI charges based on other evidence, even if the BAC is within the legal range.
Smith admitted to consuming two bourbons before driving, which led to the incident. He was released from custody on Sunday and is due back in court on Wednesday. The former NBA player, who played for the New Orleans Pelicans and Memphis Grizzlies, faces charges of reckless driving, not having proper registration plates, and DUI.
The Louisville Cardinals’ program was stripped of its 2013 NCAA championship title due to rule violations, which affected Smith’s collegiate career. While the arrest highlights personal legal issues for the former athlete, it does not directly impact his current status or career, aside from potential legal consequences.
Smith’s incident is a part of a broader context of athletes facing legal challenges. The case also serves as a reminder of the consequences of impaired driving, especially for public figures. As the legal process continues, the focus remains on the incident itself rather than any broader implications. The arrest underscores the importance of responsible behavior, even for high-profile individuals.