Originally published July 8, 2008 at 12:00 AM | Page modified July 8, 2008 at 12:40 AM

Seahawks linebacker Lofa Tatupu pleads guilty to DUI

Seahawks linebacker Lofa Tatupu pleaded guilty to driving under the influence at a hearing Monday in Kirkland court, and will serve one day in jail plus pay $1,255 in fines and court costs. Tatupu, 25, avoided trial by resolving the case Monday.

By José Miguel Romero

Seattle Times staff reporter

Seahawks linebacker Lofa Tatupu pleaded guilty to driving under the influence and was sentenced Monday to one day in jail and ordered to pay fines and court costs totaling $1,255.

Tatupu appeared in Kirkland Municipal Court for a pretrial hearing stemming from his DUI arrest May 10. His attorney said Tatupu would serve his jail time before reporting for training camp July 24.

In his sentencing ruling, Judge Michael Lambo credited the Seahawks co-captain with completing alcohol-information school and attending a DUI victims' panel within a week of the arrest.

Last month, Tatupu entered a not-guilty plea to the DUI charge but decided to avoid a trial and resolve the case by pleading guilty.

Tatupu, 25, issued a public apology for the incident through the Seahawks three days after the arrest in Kirkland. He made a similar apology Monday in a written statement released by attorney Jon Scott Fox's office.

"I again want to apologize to my family, teammates, the Seahawks ownership and organization, and the fans for making a poor decision and putting myself in a bad situation," Tatupu said. "I take seriously my role as a leader on this team and in the community, and because of that, I'm disappointed and embarrassed by the level of poor judgment I used. Thankfully, nobody was hurt. This will never happen again, and I hope through hard work on and off the field to begin earning your respect and trust again."

José Miguel Romero: 206-464-2409 or jromero@seattletimes.com

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