The Detroit Tigers slugger Miguel Cabrera was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of drunk driving in Florida, police said, the latest episode for the first baseman player who has struggled with alcohol-related problems.
Cabrera, 27, was discovered by a member in a car with a smoking engine beside a road in Fort Pierce. Inside the vehicle, Cabrera smelled of alcohol, had slurred speech and took a swig from a bottle of whiskey in front of a deputy, according to the Sheriff's Office St. Lucie County. He refused to cooperate and several deputies were called to the scene.
The arrest took place about 110 miles south of Lakeland, where the Tigers spring training expectations. Launchers and receivers began training earlier this week, but the position players like Cabrera did not start until Saturday.
"It's hard," said second baseman Carlos Guillen, who is in the field to recover from an injury. "This is a very good friend. I know he worked hard during the winter to have a good season this year."
According to the police report Cabrera was wandering on the road with their hands in the air before he was handcuffed. He kept saying, "Do you know who I am?" You know nothing of my problems, "and cursed at members who tried to climb into a patrol car.
Cabrera hit a deputy in the left thigh repeatedly urged him to his knees after Cabrera, causing the ball to the player to succumb police car. Cabrera refused to take breath test, deputies said.
It 'been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and resisting officer without violence. He posted $ 1,350 bond and was released from jail at 7:45 on Thursday.
The news soon reached Tigers spring training complex, but Guillen, who like Cabrera of Venezuela, was shaken when she discovered.
"I'm worried about him. He's very talented," said Guillen. "It 's difficult for him, for us Venezuelans."
