49ers LB Clark Haggans suspended three games for DUI
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| 49ers LB Clark Haggans, who played for the Cardinals last year, will miss three games due to a suspension for DUI. (Getty Images) |
49ers LB Clark Haggans has been suspended for three games by the NFL for a 2011 DUI arrest, the 49ers announced Tuesday.
Haggans, who signed with the team Sept. 3 after being cut by Arizona, was active, but did not play in either of the team's first two games.
He can return to the team Oct. 8 and will be eligible to play against the New York Giants.
Here is the statement the team released from GM Trent Baalke:
“Earlier today the team was made aware of the NFL's decision to suspend Clark Haggans for three games. We were certainly aware that this decision was a possibility as we evaluated Clark prior to adding him to our roster. Therefore, we are prepared to move forward accordingly.”
Haggans issued a statement through his agent, Jeff Sperbeck, on June 20, which explained the incident.
"I was at a concert with my wife when I got a call from our babysitter that our 5-year-old daughter was having trouble breathing," Haggans' statement reads. "She has been on medicine and inhalers since she was born because of her underdeveloped lungs. The sitter was panicked. I had been drinking and my wife was planning on driving home from the concert. But my wife was wandering around when I got the call, and I couldn't find her. I tried calling her within the concert, but had no luck getting a hold of her. I needed to get home to my daughter immediately. I felt that my only choice was to drive home. While driving home, I sped and ran a red light, so I was pulled over. I, along with the officers, proceeded to my house and administered the treatment and my daughter responded.
In spite of the circumstances, I was issued a citation for two moving violations and suspicion of driving under the influence. As part of my agreement with the District Attorney's office, I have to spend 48 hours, plus seven additional nights in jail, to make restitution for my choices. In hindsight, I should have found another way home, and I take full responsibility for my actions.
Follow 49ers reporter Kyle Bonagura on Twitter: @CBS49ers and @KyleBonagura.
