Marlins star pitcher Willis charged with drunken driving
MIAMI -- Florida Marlins pitcher Dontrelle Willis was released from jail Friday after being charged with drunken driving when a police officer noticed him stumbling and confused outside his car in Miami Beach.
Willis told reporters gathered outside Miami-Dade County jail that he would try to set a better example for his fans: "I'll do a better job."
The 2003 NL Rookie of the Year was arrested around 4 a.m. after an officer noticed he had double-parked his black Bentley along a South Beach street lined with nightclubs, according to a police report. The officer said he saw Willis urinate on the street, so he later approached him after responding to an emergency call.
The officer said that Willis had watery eyes, slurred speech and appeared "confused and disoriented."
"He couldn't keep his balance, he had a strong smell of alcohol," police spokesman Bobby Hernandez said.
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| Willis is a recipient of the award given to MLB players who display a commitment to community. (Getty Images) |
Willis' agent, Matt Sosnick, and Marlins spokesman P.J. Loyello declined to comment.
Willis, a left-hander, went 12-12 this past season with a 3.87 ERA in 223 1/3 innings. In 2005, he led the major leagues with 22 wins and finished second in the NL Cy Young Award balloting.
In 127 starts with the Marlins since being called up from Double-A Carolina early in the 2003 season, Willis is 58-39 with a 3.44 ERA.
He earned $4.35 million last season, is eligible for arbitration and is likely to make at least $6 million in 2007.
Willis has been Florida's nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award -- presented annually to major league players displaying a commitment to community and understanding the value of helping others -- in each of the last two seasons. He was married earlier this month.
