Droughns apologizes for drunk driving arrest

The Browns will wait for court decision before any discipline.
BEREA (AP) -- Cleveland Browns running back Reuben Droughns apologized for his drunken driving arrest, calling it a lapse of judgment.
"The only thing I can say is I'm sorry to everybody, sorry to the organization, my teammates and the fans out there," he said Wednesday. "It should have never happened. It was one of those situations that was, I guess, a bad judgment call."
Coach Romeo Crennel said the organization would allow the case to go through the court system before deciding on any discipline. Crennel said Droughns' playing time against Tennessee on Sunday would not be affected by the arrest.
First offense in six years
He noted it's Droughns' first problem in six years in the league. He compared how he's handling the situation to being a parent.
"If my daughter had gone out and done the same thing Reuben did, I would not kick her out the door and tell her never to come back again. I would try to educate her," Crennel said.
A State Highway Patrol trooper stopped Droughns early Tuesday after he spotted a vehicle speeding and weaving in traffic in suburban Cleveland. Authorities said the 27-year-old Droughns failed a field sobriety test, and agreed to a blood-alcohol test that registered .08 -- the state's legal limit.
He was accused of operating a vehicle under the influence and driving 50 mph in a 35-mph zone.
Schedule for court Friday
Droughns was released without bail and was scheduled to appear Friday in Medina County Municipal Court.
If convicted, Droughns would have to enter the league's substance abuse program and undergo counseling, Crennel said.
Droughns was out with his wife at a Halloween party the night of his arrest. He said he hopes to be found innocent.
"It's bringing bad attention to the team," Droughns said. "That's something we don't need right now, especially with what's going on with the team as far as the record is concerned."
He said he wants to make up for his mistake with his performance on the field.
Only healthy back
The Browns (2-5) are depending on Droughns, who is currently Cleveland's only option at running back. Lee Suggs is out with a broken thumb and Crennel said William Green is doubtful for Sunday with an ankle injury that is worse than expected.
Fullback Corey McIntyre will be the backup if Green is unable to play Sunday. The Browns could activate Jason Wright from the practice squad as their third-string running back, filling the roster spot that opened up when they released tight end Billy Miller.
Green did not practice Wednesday. McIntyre and Wright, who have three carries between them in the NFL, both practiced with the second team.
Droughns has rushed for 530 yards on 125 carries for a 4.2 average. The Browns do not have a touchdown rushing this season.
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