Braves pitcher Derek Lowe apologizes for DUI arrest

By Mike Morris and Christian Boone

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Braves starting pitcher Derek Lowe, who allegedly raced another driver down Peachtree Road in Buckhead Thursday night before being stopped and charged with driving under the influence, has apologized in a statement released by the Braves.

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Atlanta Department of Corrections Derek Lowe was arrested April 28 and charged with DUI.

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Jason Getz, jgetz@ajc.com Atlanta Braves pitcher Derek Lowe (right) is shown here with pitcher Tommy Hanson at spring training in February in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

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"I would like to apologize to my family, teammates, fans and the Braves organization for the attention arising from this matter, however I am hopeful that this incident will not be a distraction to the Braves organization while we are focused on returning to the playoffs," the 37-year old pitcher said. "This is a legal matter and I anticipate this case can promptly be resolved within the court system."

Lowe, who was driving a 2011 Porsche Panamera, was also charged with reckless driving and making an improper lane change.

Georgia State Patrol spokesman Gordy Wright said Lowe was pulled over around 10 p.m. Thursday on Peachtree Road at Rumson Road after troopers spotted the racing cars. Wright had no information on the second driver, who he said was charged with reckless driving.

The trooper "detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage" and gave Lowe a field sobriety test, Wright said. The Michigan native refused to take a breathalyzer test, he said.

Lowe, who signed a 4-year, $60 million contract with the Braves prior to the 2009 season, was taken to Atlanta city jail. In a statement, the Braves said, "Obviously we are concerned and disappointed about the events involving Derek Lowe overnight."