Pirates' President Frank Coonelly Facing DUI Charges
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Pittsburgh Pirates president Frank Coonelly is facing driving under the influence charges after he was reportedly pulled over in Ross Township late last year.
According to the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, Coonelly was arrested back in December just off of the Parkway North near the Perrysville exit.
According to investigators, Coonelly had a blood-alcohol content of .16. He is facing charges of drunk driving, driving the wrong way as well as careless driving.
Coonelly released a statement this morning.
It reads in full:
"My actions that evening were irresponsible and wrong. I take full and sole responsibility for them. There is no excuse for ever driving under the influence of alcohol. My wife and I have preached to our children about the dangers of driving while under the influence of alcohol, not only for themselves but for the innocent drivers, passengers and pedestrians on the road. I am embarrassed that I failed to follow this advice myself on this occasion and extremely grateful no one was injured or adversely affected by this serious lapse of judgment.
"I have personally apologized to my wife and children, to Bob Nutting and to all of those at the Pirates organization who work so tirelessly for the Club. I would also like to apologize to all of the fans and friends of the Pittsburgh Pirates. My conduct that night was uncharacteristic to my personally held values and not who I am.
"I will learn from this serious lapse of judgment and support the efforts of those groups that work to prevent the tragedies that can result from driving under the influence."
Pirates Chairman of the Board Bob Nutting has also released a statement.
It reads:
"First and foremost, I am thankful nobody was injured.
"Frank called me immediately to personally apologize for the mistakes he had made. I expressed my extreme disappointment in his actions. I know that, through our discussion, he clearly understands the seriousness of his poor decisions, the harm that could have been inflicted on others and the embarrassment his mistakes have caused the organization.
"In the years I have gotten to know Frank personally I have learned that he is a dedicated husband and father who has strong values that are grounded in his family, religion and hard work. These mistakes are not characteristic of the man that I know and I am confident he has learned from them."
A formal arraignment has been scheduled for March 20.
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