Hughes apologizes for drunk driving charge
‘Embarrassing moment’ could keep Riders star on sideline against Stamps
REGINA An apologetic Charleston Hughes met with the media on Wednesday to discuss his impaired driving charge.
“At this point, the only statement I really have is to apologize to my teammates, my fans and the staff of the organization,” the 34-year-old defensive end said after practicing with the Saskatchewan Roughriders at Mosaic Stadium.
“It’s kind of embarrassing to go through a situation like this. We’re supposed to be focusing on football right now, and when something like this comes up, you really feel like it takes away from what we’re supposed to be focusing on. I’m just trying to handle everything the best way I can and take all the legal advice that I’m given, and really just try to focus on the next move.”
Hughes, a former star for the Calgary Stampeders, declined to discuss specifics regarding the situation. He was charged with impaired driving and refusing to provide a breath sample for analysis on Oct. 11 at 2 a.m. in Regina.
According to the Regina Police Service (RPS), officers were dispatched in response to a report of a suspicious vehicle in the area of Ring Road and the Albert Street north overpass.
A running truck was found at the side of the road. The man in the truck didn’t respond to police.
The man, later identified as Hughes, was roused and taken out of the vehicle, say police. The officers suspected alcohol intoxication. Hughes was transported to RPS headquarters, where he was charged with impaired driving and failure to provide a breath sample for analysis.
Hughes was released from custody with a notice to appear in Regina Provincial Court on Oct. 31. The Riders have yet to announce whether he’ll play on Saturday in Calgary against his former team.
In the meantime, Hughes is hoping to move ahead. He expressed gratitude for the support he has received.
“Everybody has been pretty much rallying around me and rallying behind me on this, and just kind of supporting me the best way they can,” he said.
“I’m appreciative of everyone, even across the league, really. A lot of players have reached out for me and know that I’m feeling not so happy right now.
“I’m kind of in an embarrassing moment, an embarrassing spot. I’m really just trying to focus on this next game coming up and trying to keep my mind in the right place.”
Hughes faces a fine and a driving suspension if found guilty of the charges.
It’s kind of embarrassing to go through a situation like this. We’re supposed to be focusing on football right now.