KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City Royals pitcher Danny Duffy was cited Sunday in Overland Park, Kansas, for driving under the influence, police said Tuesday.
Duffy was arrested about 8 p.m. in the parking lot of a Burger King.
“I just wanted to say that, for this situation that’s been put at hand, I apologize for the distraction, especially with where the team is at right now,” Duffy said. “Regardless of whether we’d been on a run or not, this is never a good time for this situation to come about.
“To every kid out there that looks up to me, that has read a headline, seen something, looks up to me, I’ll just continue to do great for this city. I promise you that. I think, any of you all know me, this is something that’s very difficult to go through. When everything comes out and shakes out, I’m going to be better because of it. I’m standing on a lot of people’s shoulders right now. And a lot of people have done a lot of things to help me get where I’m at.
“To those people, too, let the facts shake out, and please continue to have faith in me, because I’m better than the distraction that is at hand. And I’m going to continue do great things for this city.”
Under Major League Baseball rules, players charged with DUI can be punished by the league or by a team, but not both, and can be recommended to receive voluntary treatment.
“There’s obviously consequences for actions,” Royals General Manager Dayton Moore said. “That’s the way life works. And that’s the way it should work. That’s the way we expect it to work. And it will work.”
Duffy was not held by police because he is a Kansas resident, according to Sean Reilly, spokesperson for the City of Overland Park. Duffy’s first appearance in municipal court is scheduled for Sept. 19.
Most police departments in Johnson County will release a Kansas resident suspected of DUI to any sober person who can pick them up without posting bond.
JOE NATHAN, a six-time All-Star who is eighth on the all-time list with 377 saves, has decided at age 42 to retire. He was released by Washington in spring training.
Nathan spent eight years with the Minnesota Twins.
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