Everyone makes mistakes. The unfortunate downside to making mistakes when you are a professional athlete is making national news. Such was the case when law enforcement pulled over former all-star baseball player Johnny Damon in a suburb of Orlando, Florida, on suspicion of driving under the influence. Setting aside the issue of drinking and driving, which millions of Americans have done, Damon and his wife, Michelle Mangan-Damon, made matters worse by resisting arrest.
Resisting arrest
Law enforcement pulled over Damon after he swerved, hit a curb, and then drove past a stop sign. Damon admitted that he had “just a little bit” to drink. While the officer who pulled them over waited for backup, Mangan-Damon got out of the couple’s SUV after being instructed to remain in the vehicle. The officer tried to restrain her, which led to a scuffle involving the officer trying to put the couple in handcuffs. The second officer arrived, and the couple was handcuffed and separated.
Failed tests
Damon then volunteered to take a roadside sobriety test yet could not follow the test’s instructions. One part involved tracking a moving and blinking LED light with his eyes without moving his head. Damon was also unable to perform a walking test as well. The former player subsequently went to a blood alcohol testing center where his blood alcohol level measured between .300 and .294, which is three times the legal limit.
- Damon is charged with resisting an officer without violence (a first-degree misdemeanor).
- Damon is charged with DUI.
- Damon is cited for running a stop sign.
- Mangan-Damon faces charges of battery on an officer and resisting with violence.
They will get their day in court
It is important to remember that there are two sides to every story, and those facing criminal charges are innocent until proven guilty. Generally, it is best to be cooperative with law enforcement. This helps avoid additional charges.
In this case, the couple appears to make matters much worse for themselves with evidence supporting the officer’s claims. Nevertheless, their attorney can ensure that the couple’s penalties fit the crimes and not something more severe.
