DUI case against Boston goes on
Police say the charge against the Bucs receiver stands.
By ANNE LINDBERG, Times Staff Writer
Published September 7, 2007
PINELLAS PARK - A DUI charge against Bucs wide receiver David Boston will stand.
After receiving results of a urine test, Pinellas Park police said in a statement Thursday that "based upon the results of such analysis, the State Attorney's Office is proceeding with the case against Mr. Boston."
The test results were not released because the case still is under investigation, said Capt. Sandy Forseth, the department spokesman.
"All I am able to say at this time is that I have done nothing wrong; I was not impaired," Boston said in a statement. "I have assured, and will continue to assure, the Buccaneers that I have done nothing wrong. And, in the end when this matter is resolved, the facts will show that I have done nothing wrong. I appreciate the Buccaneers organization believing in me and the fans for their support."
Coach Jon Gruden said: "I don't have any information on that. Once we get information, we'll move on accordingly. We'll see for ourselves what exactly is going on with this case and we'll react, obviously, accordingly."
Boston's attorney, Ronald Hanes of Tampa, remained upbeat: "We're confident David's going to be vindicated ..."
Heasked that a portion of the urine sample be preserved for independent testing and warned police to document their procedures "to ensure no contamination or mishandling of any samples taken."
Boston, 29, was arrested and charged Aug. 23 with misdemeanor DUI after he was found asleep at the wheel of his red Range Rover at Park Boulevard and 49th Street N.
Officers suspected that he might be under the influence of drugs or alcohol when they noticed his eyes were fluttering, consistent with a condition known as nystagmus.
They took Boston into custody and performed a Breathalyzer test. When it came back negative, an officer known as a drug recognition expert was asked to test Boston. Boston protested he was innocent and refused to participate in the tests, as is his right, so officers took a urine sample.
Boston pleaded no contest to two misdemeanors in 2002 after testing positive for cocaine and marijuana discovered during a traffic stop.
While with the Dolphins, he was suspended for four games in 2004 for violating the league's steroid policy. Boston, who had a season-ending knee injury at the time, denied taking an anabolic steroid but his appeal was denied. He was charged with simple assault in Burlington, Vt., later that month, and eventually pleaded no contest to striking a ticket agent at the airport.
This is Boston's second stint with the Bucs. He was cut before the start of last season.
Times staff writer Rick Stroud contributed to this report.