Dallas Maverick forward Roy Tarpley was acquitted...
Dallas Maverick forward Roy Tarpley was acquitted of drunk driving, and a judge denied a prosecutor’s motion to revoke the player’s probation.
Tarpley’s most recent DWI charges involved his March 30 arrest. Police officers testified that Tarpley was clocked at 63 m.p.h. in a 35-m.p.h. zone and that they found beer bottles in his car.
Testimony ended with prosecutors calling a surprise witness, Denna Shaw, an emergency medical technician who said Tarpley was driving 60 to 80 m.p.h. and almost hit her. She said she contacted prosecutors after reading reports that Dallas police conspired to frame Tarpley.
Tarpley, 26, said the DWI charge was fabricated by police officers.
“I love playing for the Dallas Mavericks but I’m tired of being harassed,” he said. “You’re going to see the same Roy Tarpley on the court. You’re just not going to see any more of my private life.
“I learned a lot. I’ve had butterflies at the free-throw line with no seconds left, but now I’ve had butterflies in court. I’m ready to get on with my life.”
Maverick General Manager Norm Sonju said the team is happy for Tarpley’s acquittal, but he is unsure how it affects the forward’s playing status.
“I don’t want to guess what Dr. (Dave) Lewis will do,” Sonju said. “He will have to make that decision (to reinstate Tarpley), and the Mavericks don’t want to put any pressure on him.”
Dr. Lewis is medical director of the ASAP Family Treatment Program in Van Nuys, which runs the NBA’s anti-drug program. He didn’t return several calls Wednesday from the Associated Press.
More to Read
Go beyond the scoreboard
Get the latest on L.A.'s teams in the daily Sports Report newsletter.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.