Houston, TX
Rockets point guard Rafer Alston appeared in court this morning and issued an apology through his attorney for the incident that led to a drunken-driving charge last week.
"On behalf of Mr. Alston, he wishes to apologize to the Rockets and the fans," said Derek Hollingsworth, an attorney with the firm of defense lawyer Rusty Hardin. "He never intended for this to happen. He is looking forward to putting this behind him."
Alston, 32, stood before County Court at Law Judge Jean Spradling Hughes for a few minutes before his arraignment was reset for Sept. 10.
Hollingsworth represented Alston in the hearing because Hardin is in the midst of a civil trial involving Lakewood Church co-pastor Victoria Osteen, who was sued by a flight attendant who accused her of assault. Alston, who remains free on $500 bail, declined to comment after the hearing. Hollingsworth also declined to discuss the case. Alston must refrain from using drugs and alcohol while free on bail. Hughes did not suspend his Canadian driver's license, but encouraged him to acquire a Texas license.
Alston listed his address in court records as Toronto, Canada.
Donna Hawkins, an assistant Harris County district attorney, said Alston faces up to six months in jail and a $2,000 fine if convicted of driving while intoxicated. The charge is a misdemeanor because it would be his first DWI conviction, she said.
A Houston police officer reported that he saw Alston driving without headlights in the 3000 block of Washington about 3 a.m. on Aug. 7.
Alston, who was driving a 2008 Aston Martin, also is accused of making an unlawful turn.
The officer said Alston had bloodshot eyes and his breath smelled of alcohol, Hawkins said. He also was unsteady on his feet and had to grab his car to balance himself, she said. The officer described Alston as being belligerent and combative, Hawkins said.
Rockets spokesman Nelson Luis said the team will not comment on the case until more details are obtained and team officials
who are abroad because of the Olympics are briefed.
Alston, a nine-year NBA veteran, has had other brushes with the law. He was arrested a year ago after a confrontation in downtown Houston with a parking lot attendant who had the basketball player's car towed for nonpayment of parking fees.
Alston was charged with misdemeanor assault and public intoxication. Houston municipal court records show he was found guilty by a judge on both offenses in August 2007. He was arrested a few weeks later on felony assault charges in New York after a nightclub altercation, but the charges were dropped.
Labels: Rafer Jamel Alston - DWI
