Officials Confirm Fien’s Version of Arrest

The Texas Alcohol Beverage Commission told Hank Fien on Wednesday that Fien’s son, Royal High quarterback Ryan Fien, did not consume any of the drink that was offered to him Saturday night in Austin, Tex. Fien, 17, was arrested as a minor in possession of alcohol.

Hank Fien said that he spoke Wednesday with TABC agents who confirmed Ryan’s contention that he simply placed the drink on the table immediately after it was offered.

According to Hank Fien, the agents said that TABC was under fire from Longhorn fans for its treatment of Fien and the two other players who were arrested. Fien, fellow recruit Cody Danaher of Corpus Christi, Tex., and Texas freshman Tim Crain were arrested and spent nine hours in the Austin Police Department jail.

“A guy from the TABC who said he was in charge said, ‘I know Ryan wasn’t drinking, he didn’t even have alcohol on his breath,’ ” Hank said.

Under law, Fien was in possession during the brief moment he held the drink, which had been given to him by a bar patron.

“I told the guy that if he saw (that) Ryan didn’t take a drink, then surely he saw that guy shove it in his chest,” Hank said.

“He said they have taken a lot of heat for the arrest and that it’s still under investigation. He said they have no problem with the arrest because (the drink) was in his possession. Legally, when he grabbed it he broke the law.”

Hank Fien said that Ryan likely will pay only a $20 fine because of his time spent in jail.

“We’d fight it if we could, but it’s just too expensive doing it from (Simi Valley),” Hank said.