Fan favorite and one of Major League Baseball’s more identifiable talents, Dontrelle Willis was arrested in Miami Beach and charged with Florida DUI.
Miami Beach Police witnessed Willis urinating in the street and then getting back in his leased 2007 Bentley but left the scene to respond to an emergency call. Police returned around 4:00 am to find Willis’ vehicle still double-parked and obstructing traffic in front of club Mansion.
According to police reports, Willis had blood-shot, watery eyes, exhibited slurred speech and appeared “confused and disoriented.” He was stumbling and smelled of alcohol. Willis, 24, failed a field sobriety test and later refused a breath test. He was arrested for drunk driving and booked at Miami-Dade County jail around 6:00 am. He was released around noon after posting a $1,000 bond.
In a released statement through his Florida DUI defense attorney, Willis acknowledged “the seriousness of the situation” and then made reference to allowing the legal process to take its course. That is taken as an indication that he plans to dispute the DUI arrest charges. Willis refused a breath test and the field sobriety test was not videotaped which means the prosecution will be forced to base its DUI case on the arresting officer’s subjective opinion.
The 24-year-old left-handed ace is one of the most popular new players in the game. Joining the majors in 2003, Willis already has 58 career victories with the Florida Marlins. He is a two-time All-Star and was the National League Rookie of the Year in 2003. In 2004 he was the runner-up for the National League Cy Young Award. He has twice been the baseball club’s nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award for his extensive involvement with charities and community service in South Florida. The Marlins have not commented on the Florida DUI arrest.
When asked about setting an example, Willis said, “I’ll do a better job.”
