Denver Nuggets’ Ty Lawson Arrested on Suspicion of DUI

Ty Lawson, 27, starting point guard of the Denver Nuggets has been arrested Friday for investigation of driving under the influence. He was later cited on charges of speeding, DUI and careless driving.

According to the Denver Police, Lawson was arrested at 1:19 am in the 3400 block of Park Avenue West after reportedly going 60 mph in a 35 mph zone. The arresting officer who clocked Lawson on his radar as going 61 mph, claimed Lawson's speech was slurred, his breath had a strong odor of alcohol, he was swaying, and his eyes were bloodshot. Lawson reportedly refused a chemical test but consented to a field sobriety test, which he failed. The probable cause document says that "upon contact, [Lawson] stated he had consumed alcohol prior to driving." The player also reportedly admitted to an officer that he had a previous DUI in Missouri.

On Thursday night, a few hours before the DUI incident, Lawson had been with his Nuggets teammates, coaches and staff at the 'Punch Bowl Social' on Broadway in Denver raising money for the Kroenke Sports charity.

Regarding the arrest, Denver Nuggets General Manager and Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly in a press statement said: "We have been made aware of an incident involving Ty Lawson early this morning. Per team policy and out of respect for the legal process, we will have no further comment at this time."

Following his arrest that morning, Lawson did not play in Friday night's Nugget game against the Boston Celtics, wherein they loss 100-99.

Lawson returned to practice on Saturday, telling reporters that "I apologize to them [his fans] too for everything that went down. On the specifics I really can't comment on it because I'm not convicted on it yet. Right now it's just a speeding ticket, so can't comment on it." He also said that he has a February 27 court date, and that in the future will take a cab or Uber if he goes out.