Jun 24, 2008 10:17 am US/Mountain
Carmelo Anthony Pleads Guilty In DUI Case
DENVER (CBS4/AP) ―
Denver Nuggets All-Star Carmelo Anthony pleaded guilty Tuesday to reduced charges of driving while ability-impaired and failure to drive in a single lane. He was sentenced to probation and community service.
Prosecutors dropped a more serious DUI charge in exchange for Anthony's plea.
Anthony told the court he apologizes because he put himself and others at risk. His attorney said the basketball player takes his position as a role model seriously and is disappointed with his decision making in the incident.
In court Tuesday, Anthony wore a dark-gray pinstripe suit, white shirt and silver tie.
Anthony was ordered to serve one year on probation, perform 24 hours of community service and pay $1,000 in fines, fees and court costs. He requested to have his community service with the Alive at 25 program, aimed at encouraging good driving habits among 15- to 25-year-olds.
"It's about having kids know to drive safely and so the judge was happy he was willing to do that," said Dan Recht, Anthony's attorney.
The judge also ordered Anthony to attend a victim impact panel.
"I'm happy that it's over so I get a chance to take care of my business," Anthony said afterward.
He was pulled over on Interstate 25 on April 14. Denver police said he was weaving and failed to dim his lights, and then failed a series of sobriety tests.
Anthony was assessed 11 points against his driver's license Tuesday. In combination with three points he received for a recent speeding ticket, authorities said his license had been suspended.
Last month, he was ticketed for driving 60 mph in a 45-mph zone and paid a $130 fine.
On Monday, the Nuggets suspended Anthony for the first two games of the next season because of the arrest.
Head coach George Karl was in attendance at Tuesday's hearing, along with other members of the coaching staff and Anthony's fiancée, Lala Vazquez.
"It's been a tough time for him and I think he's been humbled by this situation," Karl said after the sentencing. "My hope that this is the first step for him to have a good summer and rebuild some of the positive energy he has in this city.
"We had a good year, we're very disappointed on how it ended and we want to have a great year next year and I think Melo's going to lead us in that area."
(© 2008 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
