A Ravens linebacker has pleaded guilty to DUI, as reported in The Baltimore Sun, and is facing different types of probation on, and off, the playing field.
S.K., 23, was sentenced to two years of probation by Judge Neil Edward Axel on May 10. The judge took into account that S.K. had “taken positive steps” for treating alcohol abuse by attending Owings Mills facility for five days a week ago.
S.K. said at the hearing, “I’m very remorseful for my actions. I am held to a higher standard and people look up to me. I see that it's a problem and I'm here to get it treated. I want to continue to address this as long as need be.”
The hearing was held at Howard County District Courthouse.
Warren Alperstein, S.K.’s attorney, said that his client is “eager to put this behind him, but he certainly recognizes the need to continue addressing the issues that caused him to be here today.”
S.K. was also ordered to continue with treatment, attend one to two self-help meetings every week, and abstain from all forms of alcohol. He will face up to 360 days in jail if he violates the terms of his probation.
On December 26, 2010, at approximately 4 a.m., S.K. was seen speeding and swerving in his Cadillac on Route 1 near Laurel. The arresting officer stopped him near the entrance of Interstate 95.
Per documents, the officer reported smelling alcohol on S.K.’s breath and his eyes appeared bloodshot and glassy.
S.K. admitted to having “a few drinks” in a Washington club earlier that evening. When he failed at a field sobriety test, he told officers that it was due to a loss in “his equilibrium” that he had been suffering from since sustaining a head injury.
The breathalyzer test, given at the county’s detention center, registered S.K.’s blood alcohol at more than twice the legal limit in Maryland – his registered at 0.17.
Meghan Skaggs, the Assistant State’s Attorney, argued that an earlier three-day sentencing, back in 2007 when S.K. was a sophomore at the University of Texas, hadn’t deterred him from driving under the influence a second time. She also contended that time spent – five days – at the Right Turn of Maryland alcohol rehabilitation facility wasn’t enough either.
State’s Attorney Dario Broccolino said, “I'm disappointed that the judge did not follow our recommendation, I thought our recommendation was appropriate in all regards. But the final decision was the judge's.”
The judge rejected the prosecutor’s request to have S.K. serve any jail time.
It is unknown as to when S.K. will be allowed back on the football field. S.K. was already on the league’s Physically Unable to Perform list due to a skull fracture he sustained before training camp last summer.
Now S.K. may be suspended by the league for violating their personal behavior policy. He has been identified as a Stage 2 offender under the NFL’s drug abuse policy.
S.K. is subject to 10 random drug and alcohol tests a month.
Charges of DUI, DWI, OUI or OWI require the assistance of an experienced attorney. Contact a DUI attorney for help today with your case!