Former Vikings quarterback Donovan McNabb was arrested in Arizona on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol for the second time in 18 months.
The Associated Press reports police in the Phoenix suburb of Gilbert said McNabb was released after he was arrested June 28 following a non-injury collision late that night.
His vehicle reportedly rear-ended another car at a stop light. According to the AP, McNabb told officers he had just left a sports bar and was driving to his Phoenix-area home.
ESPN reports a police officer asked McNabb how much he had to drink and he responded, nothing – saying that he had a cold and was taking cough syrup and eating two cough drops.
McNabb, 38, played part of one season with the Vikings. In 2011, he was brought in to replace Brett Favre as the Vikings starting quarterback, but after a slow start the Vikings chose to turn the offense over to then-rookie Christian Ponder.
If convicted, McNabb could face a more serious sentence since it would be his second DUI conviction. Pro Football Talk reports the minimum sentence for second-offense DUI in Arizona is 90 days in jail, with a maximum sentence of six months.
According to PFT, the circumstances of McNabb’s arrest and his blood-alcohol concentration could increase any penalties. He could always fight the charges and go to trial, with the possibility of being acquitted.
The LA Times notes that McNabb briefly addressed the situation Tuesday on his NBC Radio show.
“There was a story that was released, and I want everybody to be cognizant of it, because I am very aware of it, handling the matter at this particular point,” McNabb said.
