Seahawks Player Gets DUI in Black Diamond

Every year somebody on the Seahawks seems to get arrested for a Seattle DUI. Although we are quoting it here as an example, the simple fact is that DUI is a very common charge. In fact, it is so common that even if you don't think you know somebody who has been arrested for a DUI, chances are you do and they are keeping it quiet.

DUI is bad start for Seahawks' Schmitt: "Surely this isn't the way Owen Schmitt wanted to become a familiar name for Seattle sports fans. Schmitt, expected to take over the starting fullback duties this coming season, was arrested Saturday in Black Diamond on suspicion of drunk driving.

Schmitt, 24, issued an apology Thursday through the Seahawks.

'I sincerely apologize to the team, the NFL, the fans and my family and friends for my actions and my poor judgment,' the statement said. 'I fully understand the seriousness of this matter, and I am disappointed in myself. I am committed to earning back the trust of everyone affected.'"

The problem for professional athletes who get DUIs is that the public knows soon thereafter, and they are put under pressure to issue statements, and to take responsibility. The problem is statements, like the one made by Schmitt above, are incriminating.

If Schmitt decides to challenge the charges, either because of a factual or legal deficiency in the state's case, he now has this meatball hanging out there (that is, if the prosecutors can get around the hearsay rules).

Either way, what Mr. Schmitt did was no more terrible than any other 24 year old who gets the same charge. He just has the added pressure of living with it in the public eye.