By Compiled from Times wires
Published May 23, 2003
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Titans quarterback Steve McNair apologized Thursday for his arrest hours earlier on charges of drunken driving and illegal possession of a handgun.
"This is something I didn't think that would ever happen, but this is something that we've just got to deal with, and I will with the support ... of my teammates, coaches, family and friends," McNair said.
"I will get over it."
McNair read his short statement while flanked by coach Jeff Fisher, general manager Floyd Reese and president Jeff Diamond. He didn't take questions and concluded by apologizing to his fans, particularly children who look up to him.
"It's something that you don't usually see out of me. But I put myself in a situation. I've got to get out of it, and I will bounce back from it," McNair said.
McNair was stopped just after midnight by a police officer who saw his sports utility vehicle weaving on a downtown street. The quarterback's eyes were bloodshot, his breath smelled of alcohol and he acknowledged drinking, police said.
He failed a field sobriety test and a blood-alcohol test produced a reading of 0.18, well above Tennessee's level of presumed intoxication of 0.10. He was released on $3,000 bond after appearing in night court and is due back in court June 26.
McNair was "pleasant and cooperative," police spokesman Don Aaron said.
The weapons charge involves a 9 mm handgun found in the console between the front seats of his SUV. McNair has a permit for the handgun, but an intoxicated person may not legally carry a loaded weapon. The pistol was seized.
The quarterback later met with Fisher for 90 minutes and wanted to take part in a workout. Fisher told him to skip it.
"He understands the light that it shines on him, his family, the organization and the National Football League," Fisher said. "From our standpoint, we realize the seriousness of his actions. We will stand behind Steve and support Steve as an organization."
McNair is coming off his best season, in which he finished third in the MVP race. He played through a variety of injuries and rallied the Titans from a 1-4 start to the AFC Championship Game.
PASADENA BID: While officials in Pasadena are disappointed the NFL voted to spend up to $10-million looking into the viability of a stadium at another venue, they're not giving up their quest to attract a team.
"We're in this for the long pull," Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard said.
"I remain very hopeful," said John Moag, the Baltimore investment banker hired by the Rose Bowl Operating Co. to lead its bid. "Some lucky owner is going to do very well by Pasadena. Hopefully the league responds to our offer."
BUCS SIGN RECEIVER: Receiver Charles Lee signed a one-year contract with Tampa Bay.
Lee, a Packers seventh-round pick in 2000, appeared in one game for the Bucs last season and had no receptions. He was placed on injured reserve with a right foot sprain Jan. 11 and missed the postseason.
In 23 career games, Lee has 13 catches for 166 yards and one touchdown.
PATRIOTS: Wide receiver Dedric Ward signed after being released by the Dolphins.
