First-Round Blunder

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) – Jacksonville Jaguars first-round draft pick Justin Blackmon has appeared in an Oklahoma courtroom for the first time since his weekend arrest on suspicion of drunken driving.

Justin Blackmon

An attorney for the former Oklahoma State wide receiver entered a not guilty plea for him Monday to a misdemeanor count of driving under the influence. Blackmon was allowed to remain free on $1,000 bond.

Police arrested Blackmon during a traffic stop in Stillwater early Sunday after a breath test allegedly showed his blood alcohol content to be three times the legal limit.

Blackmon left the courtroom surrounded by friends. His attorney, Cheryl Ramsey, declined to comment. 

The Jaguars selected Blackmon fifth overall in April’s draft. A team spokesman said Sunday the Jaguars are trying to learn more about the arrest and had no comment.

Bucking Bronco

DENVER (AP) – Prosecutors said Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno has been charged with drunken driving and careless driving after getting pulled over in south Denver.

Knowshon Moreno was charged with drunken driving and careless driving. Courtesy of Helmet2Helmet.net

Denver district attorney’s spokeswoman Lynn Kimbrough said Tuesday that Moreno is also charged with failure to have proof of insurance. He is due back in court March 2 after police issued a summons.

Denver police Lt. Matthew Murray said Moreno was pulled over Feb. 1 after driving 70 mph in an interstate construction zone where the speed limit was 45 mph.

The Broncos issued a written statement saying they take the incident very seriously and will monitor the case while the legal process runs its course.

Missouri Coach Sidelined After Drunken Driving Arrest

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) – Missouri has suspended coach Gary Pinkel for Saturday’s game and frozen his salary for a year after his arrest on suspicion of drunk driving.

Gary Pinkel

Athletic director Mike Alden announced the disciplinary measures Thursday afternoon. They include a total of about $300,000 in penalties, including a donation to a campus alcohol-awareness program, and 50 hours of community service.

He will miss Saturday’s home game against Texas Tech.

Boone County Sheriff’s Office records show that deputies pulled Pinkel over in Columbia on Wednesday night. He was released from jail after posting a $500 bond.

Boxer Busted

PITTSBURGH (AP) – Paul Spadafora, the former International Boxing Federation lightweight champion, has been arrested on suspicion of drunken driving near Pittsburgh.

Paul Spadafora was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving.

Jefferson Hills police said in a news release Friday that the 36-year-old boxer from McKees Rocks was stopped for driving 66 mph in a 40 mph zone Thursday night.

Police said he appeared to be drunk and failed field sobriety tests.He was arrested and then released to the custody of a friend. Police will mail him a summons for driving under the influence.

Spadafora’s Erie-based promoter, Michael Acri, did not immediately return a message.

Spadafora is undefeated in more than 40 fights and had been mounting a comeback since his release from prison in April 2006 for shooting his ex-girlfriend in 2003.