Weather | Sports | Forums | Comics | Classifieds | Calendar | Movies
© St. Petersburg Times, published July 19, 2002
Unser Jr. to go into treatment
Two-time Indy 500 champion Al Unser Jr. will seek treatment for alcohol abuse. He revealed his plans Thursday, hours after prosecutors said he would not face charges on accusations he hit his girlfriend and left her stranded along a highway. "I have a problem with alcohol abuse," he said. "Nearly ever poor choice that I have made in my life was under the influence of alcohol. I don't understand why I have a problem, but I know I have to straighten out." Unser declined to take questions but promised to do so after he completes his treatment. "Between now and then, I have many questions myself. And I look forward to learning the answers that will help me as I move forward with my life," he said. Unser will miss at least the next two IRL events and be replaced by test driver Tony Renna. IRL president Tony George said the league does not plan any action against Unser and is satisfied with his decision.
-- ZELL MILLER, U.S. senator from Georgia on why he introduced legislation aimed at ending baseball's labor disput
Brazil with 9.