ESPN is reporting Boston Red Sox pitcher Drake Britton was arrested on a DUI charge following an incident in Estero, Florida, early Saturday morning.
According to the report, Britton, a 23-year-old lefty who was in his first spring training with the major league team, was clocked driving 111 mph in a 45 zone.
Police reports show officers attempted to chase down Britton’s black 2008 Chevrolet pickup truck as it swerved between other moving vehicles, jumped a curb, knocked down a barbed-wire fence and continued down a dirt road for a quarter mile before stopping at a wooded area.
Upon being stopped, Britton admitted to drinking, but reportedly refused a breath test.
Police reports show arresting officers observed slurred speech, bloodshot watery eyes and the strong odor of alcohol present on the athlete. When one officer asked for identification, Britton reportedly handed over his credit card.
Following the incident, Britton was taken to Lee County Jail where he was charged with DUI, DUI property damage and reckless driving.
He was released later that day after posting $2,250 bond.
Britton, a 23rd-round pick in 2007, was ranked by Baseball America as the 11th-best prospect in Boston’s system in their 2013 Prospect Handbook.
In 16 starts with the Sea Dogs last summer, Drake was 4-7 with a 3.73 ERA. He allowed three runs on five hits and four walks in 3 1/3 innings this spring.
After Britton’s arrest, the Boston Red Sox released the following statement:
“This is a matter that the Red Sox take very seriously, and it is being addressed. The club will not make further comment on this matter.”