Drake Britton, pitcher for Portland Sea Dogs arrested for DUI in Florida

DUI’s Can Cause Some Career Damage

PORTLAND – Last summer, when Boston Red Sox left-handed pitcher Drake Britton pitched for the Portland Sea Dogs, he seemed to turn his career around but now he has put his career in doubt.

According to the Lee County Sheriff’s office, Drake Britton was arrested early Saturday morning for DUI, property damage and reckless driving. A police officer saw Britton and observed him as Britton’s black Silverado pickup truck was traveling in excess of 111 mph in a posted 45 mph zone in Estero, which is adjacent to Fort Myers. The arrest was made around 4:40 a.m. and he was taken to the Lee County Jail. According to the sheriff’s report, Britton’s Silverado was swerving in between other vehicles during a police pursuit before driving off the road, jumping over the curb and knocking down a barbed-wire fence. Before stopping, he tried to drive into the woods.

The officer asked him for a breath sample but he refused. The officer said that he observed “slurred speech, bloodshot watery eyes and the strong odor of alcohol”. He handed over his credit card to the officer when the officer asked for identification. He was released from jail on $2,250 bond.

When Britton was arrested, he was taking part in his 1st major league spring training camp.

In the exhibition against the Yankees, Britton was scheduled to pitch Sunday for the Red Sox but got injured. Britton and 2 other players were sent from the Red Sox camp to the minors camp. He completed the 2012 season with the Sea Dogs and was assigned to that team.

On Tuesday, when the news of Britton’s arrest spread, a brief statement was released by Red Sox saying, “This is a matter that the Red Sox take very seriously, and it is being addressed. The club will not make further comment on this matter”. John Farrell, Red Sox Manager said, “in this case with Drake we’re still gathering information and the facts of what transpired. Fortunately in this case, there was no one injured. But the bottom line is, it’s a very serious issue with us”.

Portland Sea Dogs assistant general manager and director of media relations, Chris Cameron said “beyond what the Red Sox have said, we have no further comment”.

Last season for the Sea Dogs, he recorded a 3.72 ERA. Britton said, “Ten times better. Being able to handle game situations and not letting things get out of control I’m able to have fun again”. At that time Kevin Boles, Sea Dogs Manager, praised him by saying, “This guy is definitely on a mission. He’s come a long way He’s a young guy with a bright future”.

Red Sox are dealing with the 2nd driving under the influence case. Before that in last March, veteran reliever Bobby Jenks was arrested for DUI, property damage and hit & run. Last July, his contract with the Red Sox was terminated because he was not able to play after 2 back surgeries.

The exhibition games of the Sea Dogs are scheduled to begin from 13th of March. Britton is currently in minor league camp with Portland.