Colorado Rockies long time first basemen Todd Helton was arrested early Wednesday morning on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and careless driving in Thornton, Colo. Helton declined to directly comment on the arrest, only saying that he was "very sorry" about the incident.
According to the Thornton Police Department arrest report, Helton was arrested at 2:39 a.m. near his home in Thornton where he lives in the offseason. Police received a call at about 2:08 a.m. from a witness reporting an erratic driver on Colorado Boulevard. When police located Helton's black pickup truck, he had already pulled into a gas station. Helton did release a statement via his lawyers stating he was embarrassed by his arrest.
"Last evening I exercised poor judgement and was charged with drinking and driving after dirving to a gas station near my house. I am very sorry and embarrassed by my actions. My entire career I have worked to set a positive example for my family and in our community and I fell far short of this standard," Helton said.
Helton asked that the Colorado Rockies Organization, Major League Baseball and the Colorado community accept his apology and asks for forgiveness.
Helton only played in 69 games last season. At 39, he has considered retirement but decided to return in 2013 for what people have assumed is his last season. In 2012, he hit a disappointing .238 with seven home runs in 283 plate appearances. The Rockies finished the season in last place in the National League West. He is the most accomplished player in Rockies' history. He is a career .320 hitter with 2,420 hits, 354 home runs and 1,345 RBIs. He has spent his entire baseball career in Colorado.
Thornton Police Department declined to comment on Helton's blood alcohol level, but said the baseball player "cooperated fully" with police.
