News | Bucs

Stevens found guilty of DUI

The status of the Bucs tight end, who could spend time in jail, for Sunday is unclear.

By STEPHEN F. HOLDER, Times Staff Writer
Published September 8, 2007

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Tight end Jerramy Stevens of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers blocks against the New England Patriots at Raymond James Stadium.
	[Getty Images]

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Bucs tight end Jerramy Stevens faces jail time and, quite possibly, an NFL suspension or fine after being convicted of drunken driving Friday.

The verdict was reached in Scottsdale, Ariz., where Stevens was arrested in March and charged with driving under the influence. Police said Stevens' blood-alcohol content was nearly three times the limit at which the state presumes impairment when he was stopped for driving erratically.

Stevens, 27, told police he had "four or five" margaritas. Police said his eyes were "bloodshot." With his blood-alcohol content .204 - the impairment limit in Arizona is .08 - Stevens is in the "extreme DUI" category, which allows for stiffer penalties under state law.

He is scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 2 and could face 30 days in jail.

Stevens, who spent Wednesday and Thursday in Scottsdale, practiced with the Bucs on Friday morning in Tampa. He said the judge excused him from Friday's proceedings, which included closing arguments and jury deliberations.

The Bucs were preparing to leave for Seattle when the verdict was announced, so Stevens' status for Sunday's season opener was not clear. Coach Jon Gruden indicated during the trial Stevens would accompany the team.

"Hopefully, we can get this whole matter resolved and move on with what I think is a pretty damn good kid and football player's life," Gruden said.

The team issued no statement Friday.

Stevens served two and five days in jail for alcohol-related offenses while playing for the Seahawks, who made him the 28th pick of the 2002 draft. Seattle let him become a free agent shortly after his March arrest.

Meanwhile, the Bucs said receiver David Boston will play despite authorities' announcement Thursday that they plan to move forward with DUI charges stemming from his arrest in Pinellas Park last month.

"He's playing. He's making the trip. Absolutely," Gruden said of the 29-year-old receiver. "Why wouldn't he?"

Stephen F. Holder can be reached at sholder@sptimes.com or 813 226-3377.

[Last modified September 7, 2007, 22:27:44]