Tarpley Accused of Drunk Driving

Roy Tarpley, the Dallas Maverick forward who has twice violated the NBA’s anti-drug policy, was arrested Saturday on suspicion of drunk driving.

Drinking alcoholic beverages would be a violation of Tarpley’s aftercare program, but a charge wouldn’t necessarily mean a “third strike” in the NBA’s anti-drug program. He will, however, meet with league-approved doctors concerning his aftercare.

Two Dallas police officers observed Tarpley driving 63 m.p.h. in a 35 m.p.h. zone about 1 a.m., police spokesman Ed Spencer said.

Tarpley was pulled over and appeared to be drunk, Spencer said. “Tarpley did not want to be handcuffed and indicated he would get physical,” Spencer added, reading from the arrest report. “He indicated he would beat the officers and told them if they wanted to handcuff him to call an army.”

Tarpley was transferred to the county jail and posted bond. He could face between 15 days and two years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000. He refused to take a blood-alcohol content test.

The player’s attorney, Jay Ethington, said Tarpley requested a blood test while incarcerated, but was refused. “They refused to give him a blood test and I was there. This is not coming second-hand.”

Ethington also refuted police claims that Tarpley threatened violence.

Tarpley has been recuperating from surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.