Phoenix Mercury star cited for suspected drunk driving

PHOENIX --  Leading Phoenix Mercury scorer Diana Taurasi was cited for drunken driving just a few hours after the club's win over the Seattle Storm.

Phoenix police spokesman Luis Samudio said an officer stopped Taurasi near 7th Avenue and Camelback Road at about 2:30 a.m. Thursday.

She was allegedly speeding and failing to use one lane.

A police statement shows the officer smelled alcohol and gave her several field sobriety tests.

Taurasi was then driven to a mobile DUI van where she gave a blood sample, then was cited and released.

"After completing the initial investigation, Ms. Taurasi was ... released to friends," said Samudio.

He added, "Throughout the entire investigation, Ms. Taurasi was courteous and polite with the officers."

Authorities have not released her blood alcohol content.

Taurasi, a guard, scored 22 points and blocked four shots in Wednesday night's 93-81 win over the Storm.

She is the WNBA's leading fan vote-getter ahead of the league's July 25 All-Star game.

ABC15 News spoke with Phoenix Mercury General Manager Ann Meyers Drysdale Thursday night, who said the team will not release an official public statement until more information is released.

Drysdale did say that she expects Taurasi to play during Sunday's game versus the Sparks in Los Angeles.


Source