Redskins DE Bruce Smith charged with DUI

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. -- Bruce Smith has been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol after being stopped for speeding.

The 39-year-old Washington Redskins' defensive end, who is entering his 19th NFL season, was ticketed for going 61 mph in a 45 mph zone and charged with DUI, police spokesman Mike Carey said. Smith was stopped at 2:21 a.m. Sunday

Lawrence M. Cardon, Smith's attorney, said Tuesday Smith's blood-alcohol breath test registered 0.07, which is below the state legal limit of 0.08.

State law allows for DUI citations when the blood-alcohol level is legal if, in the arresting officer's judgment, other evidence of impairment exists, Cardon said.

"I think that after the evidence all comes out, this thing will be dismissed," Cardon said. "He was very cooperative ... he's just a nice guy."

Smith was released on a personal recognizance bond.

In 1997, Smith was charged with DUI and refusing to take the blood-alcohol test after being discovered asleep in his car at an intersection. He was cleared of that charge after his attorney argued in court that Smith suffered from sleep apnea, a sleeping disorder.

AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service

Copyright 2003, The Associated Press, All Rights Reserved