Watch CBS News

Rockies' Todd Helton Arrested For DUI, Apologizes For 'Poor Judgment'

THORNTON, Colo. (CBS4/AP) - Colorado Rockies first basemen Todd Helton has apologized for his "poor judgment" after his arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Police in Thornton confirm that Helton, 39, was arrested early Wednesday for DUI in Thornton.

Drivers observed a man, suspected to be Helton, driving his black Ford pickup erratically in the 13500 block of Colorado Boulevard. at 2:08 a.m. Wednesday.

Police said they responded and made contact with the driver a few minutes later when the pickup pulled in the Conoco gas station at 12870 Colorado Boulevard.

The driver identified himself to officers as Helton. He was taken into custody for DUI and careless driving. They say Helton's blood-alcohol content was over the legal limit but they haven't released the number.

Helton was booked into the Thornton jail and released to "a responsible party," according to Thornton police spokesman Matt Barnes.

Helton released this statement in response to his arrest: "Last evening I exercised poor judgment and was charged with drinking and driving after driving to a gas station near my house. I am very sorry and embarrassed by my actions. I hold myself to a high standard and take my responsibility as a public figure very seriously. 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.

I sincerely ask my family, the Colorado Rockies Organization, Major League Baseball and the community to accept my apology. I make no excuses and accept full responsibility for my actions. I humbly ask your forgiveness."

Colorado Rockies Photo Day
Todd Helton #17 of the Colorado Rockies poses for a portrait during spring training photo day at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on February 28, 2012 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

The Rockies released this statement: We were extremely disappointed to learn that Todd was arrested this morning. This type of behavior is taken very seriously by our organization. We know that he clearly understands the seriousness of his poor decision, the harm that could have been inflicted on others and the embarrassment his mistake has caused to himself, his family, the Colorado Rockies organization and to Major League Baseball.

Todd is taking full accountability for his actions with his family, his fans and the organization. The man we have grown to know has strong values that are grounded in his family and hard work. Todd clearly understands the severity of the situation.

Helton is a career .320 hitter. He played only 69 games last year before undergoing hip surgery in August. Afterward, the smooth-fielding first baseman known as much for his glove work as for his big bat considered retiring but decided last month to return for the final season of his contract.

Helton is the most accomplished player in Rockies history, collecting 2,420 hits, 354 home runs and 1,345 RBIs over his career.

He debuted in 1997 and took over the following season as Colorado's full-time first baseman following Andres Galarraga's departure to Atlanta as a free agent.

He and Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning are good friends after playing football together at the University of Tennessee in the 1990s. They recently went on a hunting trip after the Broncos' unexpected early exit from the NFL playoffs.

Manning has credited Helton and the Rockies with helping him recover from a series of neck operations that led to his departure from Indianapolis by allowing him to work out at Coors Field during the NFL lockout two summers ago.

The Rockies, under new manager Walt Weiss, begin reporting to spring training this weekend as they try to bounce back from a 64-98 season.

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.) 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.