Updated: 2 p.m.
 Maualuga |
Speaking briefly to a group of reporters outside the Kenton County court room, Maualuga said “I will learn from this and become a better person and a better man from all of this.”
Cincinnati’s Channel 5 reported that Maualuga had a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.157 percent when he hit two cars and a parking meter early Friday morning and that he is required to attend alcohol counseling, has lost his driving privileges for 90 days, has been fined $350, and he must pay restitution to the owners of the two cars. Maualuga was sentenced to seven days in jail, which were suspended, and two years on probation.
An NFL spokesman said Friday that according to the league’s substance abuse program a first offense for an alcohol-related violation, absent aggravating circumstances is generally a fine of two game checks up to a maximum of $50,000. Under the NFL’s conduct policy, a first offense doesn’t usually result in a suspension.
“I apologize to my family,” Maualuga said. “To Mike Brown, the Bengals organization, to my coaches, my teammates, to the fans, to the city of Cincinnati for bringing such great humiliation and embarrassment to the team.”
Maualuga later released a written statement:
"I sincerely apologize for letting everyone down and making a terrible decision to drive under the influence. I wanted to acknowledge fault quickly and accept the consequences for my actions, which are the same that anyone else facing these charges would receive. I’m thankful to have the legal implications resolved this morning so I can begin to move on and make positive changes in my life.
"I know it’s going to be hard to believe in me, but I will do everything in my power to gain your trust back and I promise to learn from this. I’m truly sorry for the humiliation and embarrassment I’ve caused myself, my family, the Bengals organization and this great city of Cincinnati. I’d like to thank the entire Bengals organization, my teammates, family, friends and all the fans for the outpouring of support I’ve received since this incident took place."
The Bengals responded with a statement of their own:
"The Bengals are disappointed in the actions by Rey that led to the charges against him. We expect a higher standard from our players, as is stressed to them continually. Rey must work to repair the damage this has done to his reputation, and he has begun that process with an apology, an expression of strong remorse and a prompt resolution in the Kentucky court. We expect that Rey will keep taking further steps, and the Club will actively follow up with Rey in working with him from a personal standpoint. Rey’s on-field play and community involvement were excellent during his rookie season, and the Club continues to anticipate an outstanding Bengals career for him."
