Chicago White Sox 'understand the seriousness' of manager Tony La Russa's DUI charges
Steve GardnerThe Chicago White Sox are content to let the legal process go forward as manager Tony La Russa faces drunk driving charges stemming from an incident in Phoenix in February.
"Tony deserves all the assumptions and protections granted to everyone in a court of law, especially while this is a pending matter. Once his case reaches resolution in the courts, we will have more to say," the team responded Thursday in a statement emailed to USA TODAY Sports, adding, "The White Sox understand the seriousness of these charges."
The White Sox were aware of the arrest when they hired the Hall of Fame manager last month to replace Rick Renteria, who guided the team to a 35-25 record and playoff berth in 2020.
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The announcement came one day after a criminal complaint against La Russa was filed in Maricopa County (Arizona) court. According to ESPN, the arrest warrant quoted La Russa, 76, asking the arresting officer, "Do you see my ring?" and noting that he was "a Hall of Famer baseball person."
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Police said a blood test administered after the arrest indicated La Russa had a blood alcohol level of .09, above the state's legal limit of .08.
La Russa is not expected to face any discipline from the club, nor is he in danger of losing his job, a high-ranking White Sox official recently told USA TODAY Sports.
Contributing: Julio Vega
Follow Gardner on Twitter @SteveAGardner.
