P.J. Tucker was arrested in May after driving erratically and then registering a .222 blood-alcohol content.
Following the incident, Tucker signed a three-year, $16.5 million contract with the Phoenix Suns. The Suns reportedly knew about the charge – called super extreme DUI – when re-signing the starting small forward.
Now, Tucker is taking responsibility – both through the legal system and with a public statement.
Kevin Zimmerman of Valley of the Suns:
Tucker pleaded guilty to super extreme DUI at a disposition hearing at Scottsdale City Court and will spend three days in jail in addition to other penalties.
In addition to his jail time, Tucker will face 11 days house arrest, though he will be able to leave for work for no more than 12 hours per day. He will submit to substance abuse screening and counseling, and could face probation for up to five years. Tucker will also have an interlock device installed on his vehicle and have to pay several fines.
Tucker and Suns president Lon Babby also released statements, as relayed by Zimmerman.
Tucker:
“I would like to express my gratitude to the people of Phoenix for their love and support during my time as a Phoenix Sun. Thank you to the Phoenix Suns organization for supporting me throughout this difficult time. And, of course my wife Tracey, family and friends, who just keep loving me. I cannot express how much I appreciate and value the many blessings that I have been given – love and abundance that I never imagined. I am truly blessed. I am so grateful that no one was hurt as a result of my choice to drive impaired.
I am truly sorry and I take full responsibility for my actions. No excuses. It is now my responsibility to examine my life and make the changes necessary to ensure this never happens again. That process has begun and will continue with the love and support of my family, friends and, of course, the amazing Phoenix Suns.
There is both a lesson and an opportunity in this experience: I learned the lesson the hard way – the opportunity is to ensure others don’t.
The good that resulted from making this mistake is realizing people’s capacity to forgive. Thank you all so much for the love and forgiveness that I have received throughout this time.
I will not let you down.
Thank you.”
Babby:
“Like P.J. himself, the Phoenix Suns take P.J.’s behavior very seriously. We remain fully committed to the highest standards of personal and professional conduct as we develop a championship culture. All of the members of our team, both on the court and in the front office, understand the importance of obeying the law and conducting ourselves in a way that honors our community. In considering this matter, we concluded that P.J. was sincere in his remorse and in his resolve to accept the consequences of his actions. We are convinced that he will take the necessary steps to avoid any such conduct in the future. The Suns do not in any way condone his conduct, but we do support him as he works through this.”
It’s good to see Tucker say all the right things. That’s all he can do at this point.
Hopefully, he heeds his words going forward.
