Louisville Metro Police arrested a former Louisville basketball star early Sunday morning for driving under the influence of alcohol.
According to the Courier Journal, Russ Smith, known for being part of the 2013 Louisville basketball team that briefly held an NCAA Tournament title, was pulled over by police after making an illegal U-turn across several lanes and having an expired license plate tag.
The arrest report indicated that officers detected a “strong odor of alcoholic beverages” on Smith’s breath. He admitted to having consumed “two bourbon pours neat” before driving and subsequently did not pass a field sobriety test.
The Queens native “swayed” when he stepped out of the car and failed a walk and turn test, WDRB reported.
Smith’s blood alcohol level was recorded at 0.073. In Kentucky, while legal issues typically arise with a BAC of 0.08 or higher, drivers can still face prosecution if their BAC is between 0.04 and 0.08, provided there is additional evidence pointing to impairment.
“That fact may be considered, together with other competent evidence, in determining the guilt or innocence of the defendant,” according to the statute in the state.
A police spokesperson told WDRB that “we will allow the arrest slip to speak for itself,” when asked about Smith’s BAC.
Smith faces charges of driving under the influence, reckless driving and having unregistered license plates.
He was released without bond and is due back in court for an arraignment hearing on June 11 at Jefferson County District Court.
WDRB reported that Smith is slated to play in The Basketball Tournament this summer, a winner-take-all tournament with a $1 million prize.
Smith played four years at Louisville, and he averaged 14.3 points per game.
He had brief NBA stints with the Pelicans and Grizzlies, as well as some time in the G-League and overseas. Smith played his high school ball at Archbishop Molloy in Queens
