White Sox 'understand the seriousness' of La Russa's DUI charges

The Chicago White Sox released their first statement Thursday following the recent driving under the influence charge laid against manager Tony La Russa.

"As Tony La Russa's attorney said in his statement, Tony deserves all the assumptions and protections granted to everyone in a court of law, especially while this is a pending matter," the White Sox statement read. "Once this case reaches resolution in the courts, we will have more to say. The White Sox understand the seriousness of these charges."

La Russa was arrested in February and subsequently charged with DUI on Oct. 29, one day before Chicago hired him as manager.

According to court documents, La Russa ran his vehicle into a curb on Feb. 24 in the Phoenix area. Police took him into custody following a field sobriety test.

"The legal process in Arizona, which began in February, has been delayed as a result of COVID-19. This matter should have come to a conclusion several months ago," La Russa's attorney Larry Kazan said in his statement.

"The process is continuing, but my client, Mr. Tony La Russa, is entitled to all the assumptions and protections afforded to anyone facing an accusation. It would be unfair and unwise for anyone outside the process to reach conclusions based on limited information."

This is the second time La Russa has been charged with DUI.

The 76-year-old pleaded guilty to misdemeanor DUI in Florida in 2007 after police found him asleep inside a running vehicle at a traffic light.