Though some might see this as the drunk driver's equivalent of "My dog ate my homework," attorneys for former NFL star Jamal Anderson have a perfectly logical explanation for his recent arrest.
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"It appears that Mr. Anderson was tired after a long day of travel, spending time with his children and visiting with out-of-town friends," attorneys Michael Hawkins and Parag Shah said in an statement, via The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "He was not, however, driving under the influence of alcohol."
Anderson, 39, was picked up for a DUI at about 4:30 a.m. Sunday. He was pulled over by DeKalb County (Ga.) police for driving at a slow rate of speed that impeded traffic.
UPDATE:Anderson's SUV was at a stoplight when a police officer pulled up behind him, according to an incident report obtained by the newspaper. The officer observed that the vehicle failed to move despite the light changing to green repeatedly.
"I tapped on Mr. Anderson's window several times in an attempt to wake him up. Mr. Anderson did not wake up," according to the incident report.
Police then had to enter the vehicle through the sunroof of the SUV to unlock the car, according to the report.
Anderson denied that he had been drinking to the officer, who noted the "strong odor of an alcoholic beverage" and Anderson's slurred speech. He refused to submit to a breathalyzer but was arrested after taking a field sobriety test.
A former Atlanta Falcons running back, Anderson's career ended after a knee injury in 2000. His attorneys cited physical issues in their statement.
"He was polite and cooperative with the police, even agreeing to submit to roadside balancing tests despite his injured knees," the attorneys told the newspaper.
Well, that was nice of him. The lawyers said Anderson will plead not guilty if charges are filed in court.
