Former Atlanta Falcon running back Jamal Anderson was tired, not drunk, when he was arrested Sunday morning, his attorneys said Wednesday.
"It appears that Mr. Anderson was tired after a long day of travel, spending time with his children, and visiting with out-of-town friends," attorneys Michael Hawkins and Parag Shah said in an emailed statement. "He was not, however, driving under the influence of alcohol."
Anderson, 39, was pulled over around 4:30 a.m. Sunday on Chamblee Tucker Road near I-85 when he was spotted allegedly driving so slow, he was impeding traffic, according to DeKalb County police. He was arrested and charged with not driving the minimum speed and DUI, both misdemeanors, according to jail records.
"He was polite and cooperative with the police, even agreeing to submit to roadside balancing tests despite his injured knees," his attorneys said.
Anderson was booked into the DeKalb County jail and was released later Sunday morning after posting $1,500 bond. His attorneys said he would plead "not guilty" if the charges are filed in court.
Anderson, a seventh-round pick for the Falcons in the 1994 draft, played eight seasons with the team before a career-ending knee injury. The Pro Bowl running back was a fan favorite, known for his "Dirty Bird" endzone dance.
"Jamal is deeply saddened by this incident and apologizes to his family, friends, and fans for this distraction," his attorneys said.
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