Seattle Seahawks fullback Owen Schmitt was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol Saturday night in Black Diamond.
A vehicle, a black Jeep driven by Schmitt, repeatedly weaved over the center line in the road and was observed following the car in front of it at about half a car length for three blocks a little before midnight Saturday, according to an officer’s report from the scene.
Officers also observed that Schmitt’s Jeep was lifted and the whole axle was exposed, and that the Jeep did not have the required mud flaps.
Schmitt, according to the report from the scene, stated to officers that he had consumed only three beers, He was asked by officers to get out of the truck and walk to the back of his vehicle, where officers observed him stumble as he walked.
Schmitt was cooperative but failed a sobriety test at the scene and was taken into custody.
According to the report, Schmitt, 24, later submitted to another sobriety test, resulting in a blood-alcohol content of .151 and .161. The legal limit in the state of Washington is .08. Officers issued Schmitt a criminal citation for DUI and released him from custody.
Schmitt is scheduled for an arraignment July 8. He released a statement Thursday through the team expressing regret for his actions.
“I sincerely apologize to the team, the NFL, the fans and my family and friends for my actions and my poor judgment,” Schmitt said in the statement. “I fully understand the seriousness of this matter, and I am disappointed in myself. I am committed to earning back the trust of everyone affected.”
A second-year player drafted in the fifth round out of West Virginia, Schmitt is considered the frontrunner to start at fullback. Last season’s starter, Leonard Weaver, signed with Philadelphia in free agency.
Schmitt is the second Seahawk arrested this offseason. Linebacker Leroy Hill was arrested in January in suburban Atlanta on misdemeanor drug charges after falling asleep at the wheel of his car at an intersection.
Around the league
Commissioner Roger Goodell said his decision on whether to reinstate former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, convicted on federal charges of running a dogfighting ring, will come “in due time.” The commissioner said he won’t sit down with Vick until after the former quarterback is released July 20 from home confinement and federal custody. … Kansas City added depth to its defensive backfield, signing former Pro Bowl safety Mike Brown, who played his first nine NFL seasons with Chicago. … Detroit signed center Dominic Raiola to a contract extension through 2013.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
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