Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer reportedly pleaded not guilty to charges related to an August 2013 arrest ahead of a scheduled arraignment hearing on Wednesday.
Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports the plea was filed with the court last week, which means Budenholzer won't need to attend the hearing. He's facing "misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence alcohol less safe and defective or no taillights."
The coach could receive a wide range of penalties if found guilty, including a jail sentence of up to a year, a $1,000 fine, suspension of his driver's license or community service, according to the report. It's noted he could face league discipline as a result of the incident as well.
A report from the Associated Press (via ESPN.com) back in 2013 detailed the stop, which was originally for broken taillights. A Georgia State Patrol trooper explained Budenholzer had "bloodshot and watery eyes 'and a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his breath.'"
He released a statement at the time about the situation, via the same AP report:
I take my role as a leader very seriously and hold myself to a high standard. I apologize to the fans and to the Hawks organization for any negative attention this incident has brought upon my family and the organization while the legal process evolves and I contest these misdemeanor charges.
Under his leadership, the Hawks posted the best record (60-22) in the Eastern Conference last season and reached the conference finals before losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers. They have qualified for the playoffs in both years since he was hired.
Budenholzer is still scheduled to serve on the coaching staff for Team Africa in the NBA Africa Game 2015 on August 1. The next step in the case will be known after the arraignment hearing Wednesday.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2533151-mike-budenholzer-pleads-not-guilty-to-dui-charge-from-2013-arrest
