Payton Arrested in DUI Case

Gary Payton was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after trying to back his car down an onramp on the San Diego Freeway near Brentwood early Aug. 28, the California Highway Patrol said.

Payton, traded from the Lakers to the Boston Celtics earlier last month, was stopped at 1:14 a.m. after an officer saw him backing down the Moraga Drive onramp to avoid heavy traffic caused by an accident.

Payton failed an on-site alcohol sobriety test and was taken to the West Los Angeles Police Department, CHP Officer Ron Burch said.

Payton, who was also cited for unsafe backing, was released to his wife, Monique, after completing a chemical test at the station. He is scheduled to appear at court in downtown Los Angeles on Oct. 15, less than two weeks after the Celtics begin training camp. Payton, 36, has threatened to retire rather than play for the Celtics.

Last year, Payton was charged with two counts of common assault and one count of assault causing bodily harm for his role in an alleged altercation outside a Toronto club in April 2003. A trial is pending. Payton was with the Milwaukee Bucks at the time.

-- Mike Bresnahan