06-03-2004, 03:53 PM
(Ionia County, June 2, 2004, 4:30 p.m.) Star golf pro Craig Stadler tells 24 Hour News 8 that he's pulling out of the Farmers Charity Classic after being arrested for drunk driving in Ionia County.
Stadler says he had drinks at the Beltline Bar in Grand Rapids Monday night and was driving to Detroit for Media Day when he pulled off at the M-66 exit on I-96. Police say he drove out the wrong way at a gas station and that's when an officer pulled him over. Stadler then failed several alcohol tests. His blood alcohol level was .10.
Stadler was in court Wednesday morning and pled to a lesser charge of operating a vehicle while visually impaired. He won't have any jail time but will have to pay a $900 fine and attend alcohol awareness programs. The judge says Stadler received the same sentence anybody would, and his celebrity status did not play a factor in his decision.
The golfer says this is so devastating that he has to drop out of this week's tournament in Ada Township. He adds that he's embarrassed and sorry for what happened.
<a href='http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=1912466&nav=0RceNb6X' target='_blank'>http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=1...66&nav=0RceNb6X</a>
Stadler says he had drinks at the Beltline Bar in Grand Rapids Monday night and was driving to Detroit for Media Day when he pulled off at the M-66 exit on I-96. Police say he drove out the wrong way at a gas station and that's when an officer pulled him over. Stadler then failed several alcohol tests. His blood alcohol level was .10.
Stadler was in court Wednesday morning and pled to a lesser charge of operating a vehicle while visually impaired. He won't have any jail time but will have to pay a $900 fine and attend alcohol awareness programs. The judge says Stadler received the same sentence anybody would, and his celebrity status did not play a factor in his decision.
The golfer says this is so devastating that he has to drop out of this week's tournament in Ada Township. He adds that he's embarrassed and sorry for what happened.
<a href='http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=1912466&nav=0RceNb6X' target='_blank'>http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=1...66&nav=0RceNb6X</a>