A former buffalo Sabre player pleaded guilty to misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, along with three other charges, and has received a lengthy sentencing though no jail time, as reported by the Buffalo News.
M.T.B., 38, admitted to driving his Porsche Cayenne - while drunk - on only three of its wheels, and one sparking rim, down Main Street last week.
Clarence Town Justice Michael B. Powers imposed a sentence that was a "mix of punishment and help." M.T.B. must relinquish his driving privileges for one year, pay a fine of $1,325, pay surcharges of $625, complete ÈCourt-ordered rehabilitation, in-patient counseling, spend 100 hours of community service in the Clarence Central School District and Youth Center - where he is expected to explain his actions - and install an ignition interlock device on his vehicle.
M.T.B. also admitted that he had refused to submit to a chemical test, operating with an unsafe tire and failure in notifying the state Department of Motor Vehicles of a status change.
M.T.B. played with the Sabres from 1992 until 1999. He was known for being an aggressive player.
After sentencing, M.T.B. apologized to "family and friends, and obviously, the community" adding, "I'm glad the DA held my feet on the fire and made me accountable. I promise I'll make (my family and friends) proud and this community proud."
M.T.B.'s arrest occurred on December 5, at 3:17 a.m., after being alerted by a 911 emergency call that he was seen driving on a tire rim and setting off sparks.
Erie County Sheriff's Deputy Gene Nati stopped M.T.B. on Dana Maria Parkway in Clarence.
Authorities believe that they collected the errant tire near Youngmann Highway and Main Street in Amherst. There is approximately 8 miles of road between the highway's off ramp and where M.T.B. was arrested. Police have gone over that stretch looking for evidence of any collisions, and, on finding nothing, did not charge M.T.B. with leaving a scene.
Powers stated that since M.T.B. has lost his television job with ESPN, due to his arrest, the judge would not impose any jail time. Powers said, "Thank God no one got killed. In that regard, you're a very lucky man" and the stipulated, "I'm a firm believer you are not only entitled to but are required to deal with this problem. If you can even reach one person to cause them not to do what you have done, there will be some good out of this."
If M.T.B. fails to complete the requirements set by Powers he will be facing another sentencing and the possibility of jail time.
M.T.B. said, "I'm going to seek the right help to make sure I never end up here ever, ever again."
M.T.B. may have to face his guilty plea with the federal government as well as he is a Canadian citizen here in the United States as a legal resident alien. Which means that he may have to go through deportation proceedings. He has since hired an immigration lawyer to represent him if needed.
Sentences for a charge of DUI, DWI, OUI or OWI can range in loss of driving privileges to fines and jail time. Contact a DUI attorney to best represent you!