Orioles' Ponson arrested, charged with DUI

Pitcher stopped on I-95 early today for tailgating

The Associated Press

Originally published August 25, 2005, 12:51 PM EDT
Orioles pitcher Sidney Ponson was arrested early today on a charge of drunken driving, the latest mishap for the pitcher considered the ace of the staff a year ago.

Maryland Transportation Authority police arrested Ponson at 1:31 a.m. on southbound Interstate 95, just south of Baltimore, said Cpl. Pamela Thorne, a spokeswoman for the agency.




Authorities said Ponson, who was driving a 2005 Mercedes-Benz, was stopped for tailgating, given a field sobriety test and was charged with driving under the influence and driving while impaired. At the station, Ponson refused a breathalyzer test, which carries an automatic 120-day suspension of his license for a first offense.

A year ago, Ponson was considered the team's ace and was the Opening Day pitcher in 2004.

But he has had a troubled offseason and a disappointing season.

He was charged in January with driving under the influence in Broward County, Fla. That case has not yet been resolved.

That arrest came just weeks after he spent 11 days in an Aruban jail for a Christmas Day fight at a beach. He apologized for the fight and reached a settlement that involved community service and a charitable contribution.

Ponson has been on the disabled list with a calf strain and hasn't pitched since Aug. 7. A magnetic resonance imaging Wednesday found a torn ligament in his thumb, and he was expected to be out of action for at least three more weeks. He is 7-11 with a 6.21 ERA. He hasn't won since June 18.

The Orioles did not immediately return a call seeking comment. Ponson's agent, Barry Praver, also did not immediately return a call seeking comment.



Copyright © 2005, The Associated Press


http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/base ... &cset=true





When are they just gonna let him go?

I figure they could find somebody else to have a losing record, an ERA over 6, and pay a lot less for em. Maybe?[/url]

Fat fuck is nothing but trouble. DUMP HIM

deport his ass to natalie holloway land.

steriods and booze...that Bud Selig knows how to sell tickets!!!

I would get that fucker off the team asap oh and raffy too....