La Russa charged with DUI stemming from February arrest, White Sox were aware
Tony La Russa was charged with driving under the influence stemming from an incident in February, according to court records obtained by Jeff Passan, Paula Lavigne, and Charlie Moynihan of ESPN.
The case was filed Oct. 28, one day before the Chicago White Sox announced La Russa as their manager.
A White Sox spokesperson says the team was aware of the event, adding that the club could not comment further because it is an active case. Another high-ranking White Sox official told Bob Nightengale of USA Today that La Russa is in no danger of losing his job or facing any discipline.
According to the court records, La Russa ran his vehicle into a curb on Feb. 24 in the Phoenix area. He was taken into custody following a field sobriety test.
La Russa refused to submit to a breathalyzer or blood test, according to an affidavit filed by the Arizona Department of Public Safety. However, the officer obtained a search warrant for two tubes of La Russa's blood.
The original documents were submitted in the wrong jurisdiction, causing a delay in the case filings. Multiple law enforcement sources in Arizona noted that the delay seemed excessive.
When reached by ESPN via telephone Monday, the 76-year-old Hall of Famer responded, "I have nothing to say," and hung up.
La Russa pleaded guilty to misdemeanor DUI in Jupiter, Florida, back in 2007.