Bucs' June arrested on misdemeanor DUI charge

He's released on bail, and the team seeks details.

By RICK STROUD
Published November 20, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT Bucs linebacker Cato June was arrested after a traffic stop early Monday in Tampa.

TAMPA - Hours after arriving home from the Bucs' 31-7 victory Sunday in Atlanta, Cato June was arrested for a misdemeanor count of driving under the influence.

June, who turned 28 on Sunday, was stopped by police at 2:33 a.m. Monday on Dale Mabry near Raymond James Stadium after his vehicle was clocked traveling 66 mph in a 45 mph zone, according to police reports.

Arresting officer Peter Bucher said he approached June's blue Cadillac SUV and detected an odor of alcohol on his breath and bloodshot, glassy eyes, according to the arrest affidavit.

Bucher conducted a field sobriety test and noted in his report that June "exhibited clues of impairment." June refused to submit to a Breathalyzer test.

June was booked into the Hillsborough County jail and remained until 11:30 a.m. Monday, when he was released after posting $500 bail.

June was unavailable for comment Monday.

The Bucs still seek details of the incident involving the linebacker, who could fall under review of the NFL's personal conduct policy.

At his weekly Monday news conference, Bucs coach Jon Gruden declined to comment on whether he believed June had a drinking problem.

"Well, we're going to address it. We will address it privately with Cato," Gruden said. "Obviously, any time one of the players or coaches are involved in something like this, we'll address it. I don't believe it will be a distraction, but I think it can be something we all certainly learn from, grow from, and we're going to support our players any time we can.

"We love Cato. I don't think you're going to find a better young man, but we'll get the information on this, and we'll respond to it when we have all the facts."

June led the Bucs' best defensive effort of the season Sunday with a team-high nine tackles against the Falcons. And he forced a fumble by receiver Roddy White.

June signed with the Bucs as an unrestricted free agent after spending four seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. June has 54 tackles, one interception, three passes defended and one forced fumble in 10 games this season.

One of the most popular players in the locker room, June received support from his teammates Monday.

"We have to rally around him," linebacker Derrick Brooks said. "This has been a team that has always backed each other through trial, and it's not going to change now. Believe me, when we really get a grip on what happened, we're going to hug him, man, and obviously learn from his mistake. He's going to learn from his mistake, and we're going to move on. It's nothing we're going to harp on."

June is the second Buc arrested for suspicion of DUI this season.

On Aug.23, then-Bucs receiver David Boston was arrested by Pinellas Park police after he was found asleep behind the wheel of his SUV at a traffic light. Urinalysis showed he was under the influence of GHB at the time. Several weeks later, the Bucs reached an injury settlement with Boston and released him.

It's unlikely the Bucs will suspend June. Tampa Bay (6-4) leads the NFC South by two games over New Orleans and Carolina heading into Sunday's game against Washington.

[Last modified November 20, 2007, 00:24:41]