Colorado Rockies owner Charlie Monfort arrested on DUI suspicion

(Getty)

The Denver Post says that court records show Charlie Monfort, the managing general partner for the Colorado Rockies since 1992, was arrested Monday on suspicion of driving under the influence in Windsor, Colo. Monfort was released Tuesday afternoon on $2,500 bond and isn't bothering to deny the charges in a statement that appears on the Rockies website:

"I'm extremely disappointed in myself for the decision I made to drink and drive and the potential risk I caused to other innocent people. I want to apologize to my family, the Colorado Rockies staff, players, Major League Baseball and, of course, our fans for the embarrassment I have caused by my actions.

"I do understand the seriousness of my behavior and the issues that I am facing and I'm committed to do what's necessary to deal with my problem."

In September, Monfort got into "an exchange" with Post columnist Mark Kiszla, who reported smelling alcohol on Monfort's breath in the Rockies clubhouse.

"The man needs help," Kiszla said.

Monfort also was arrested in 1999 for DUI, when his blood-alcohol content was .209, more than twice the legal limit at the time. The Greeley (Colo.) Tribune reported that Monfort contested that particular charge:

Monfort initially took his 1999 case to trial, at one point claiming that the arresting police officer spoke to him at the restaurant and waited for him outside trying to trap him Monfort.

At a motions hearing prior to trial, Monfort’s attorney claimed Monfort suffered from acid reflux disease and his heartburn caused him to fail a breath test. A month later, in May, he pleaded guilty to driving while ability impaired. He was sentenced to 18 months probation.

(Greeley Police Dept.) No such excuses have been offered this time. It's possible Monfort's drinking issues have something to do with the lessening of his responsibilities with the Rockies in recent years. His brother, co-owner Dick Monfort, has taken control of decision-making for the club, the Post reports. It's also a questionable decision to smile for your mugshot, especially you're trying to spin yourself as being serious about the problem you're facing.

Dick Monfort, possibly fed up, also released a statement:

"I am extremely saddened and very disappointed to learn of my brother Charlie's arrest last night in Windsor, Colo., on DUI charges. We all understand the seriousness of this offense and the potential consequences involved when the decision to drink and drive is made. I am thankful that no one was injured. As troubling and intolerable as these actions are, I can tell you that I'm focused on helping Charlie get the resources he needs to overcome this problem."

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