Mike Ditka’s Son Mark Ditka Busted For Alleged DUI

The son of former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka was arrested for alleged drunk driving in suburban Chicago early Sunday morning it has just been revealed.

Mark Ditka was pulled over in Deerfield, Illinois, for erratic driving and improper lane usage about 4 a.m. He was given a field sobriety test but refused to take a breathalyzer and a blood test. Officers searched his car and reportedly found an unmarked bottle of Hydrocodone in the vehicle.

According to the Chicago Tribune, “[Mark] Ditka was charged with possession of a controlled substance and aggravated DUI, both of which are felonies.” He was also cited for several driving infractions including driving with a suspended license and no insurance. He was released on a $25,000 bond and has a November 2 court appearance on these charges.

The Daily Mail claims that Hydrocodone “is a semi-synthetic, chemical derivative of opium generally prescribed to treat pain, but is recreationally used to mimic the effects of heroin or morphine.”

Mark Ditka was also charged with DUI about a year ago in Deerfieeld but the breathalyzer test results were apparently thrown out on a technicality. According to the TribLocal newspaper, Mark Ditka has two previous DUI arrests, but no convictions.

Hall of Famer and football legend Mike Ditka, Mark Ditka’s father, coached for 14 years in the NFL and won Super Bowls with the Chicago Bears as a player (1963) and head coach (1985). He also won a Super Bowl ring as a member of the Dallas Cowboys in 1972. He currently is a pro football commentator for ESPN.

[Mike Ditka image credit: U.S. Navy]