Tampa Bay Criminal Defense Lawyer - more Bucs Part ??

By Nick Dorsten, Esq.

You think in the off season, it would be quiet but hot on the heels of past Tampa Bay Buc arrests previously talked about ( here, here, here and here), now courtesy of the St. Pete Times website even more Bucs in trouble!

TAMPA — Shelton Quarles, the Bucs' pro scouting coordinator and a former Pro Bowl linebacker with the team, was arrested on a DUI charge early Friday.

Police arrested Quarles, 39, about 2:30 a.m. on Interstate 275 near Himes Avenue. Police saw a black Audi with the headlights off going 79 mph in a 55 mph zone. When they pulled Quarles over, police said, he "had a strong odor of alcohol on his breath and bloodshot eyes."

Quarles showed other signs of impairment during field sobriety tests, police said. He refused to submit to a breath test and was taken to jail without incident. Bail was set at $500.

A member of the Bucs' Super Bowl XXXVII championship team, Quarles played 10 seasons for Tampa Bay from 1997 to 2006.

After his retirement, Quarles was hired as a pro scout. In January, he was promoted to coordinator of pro scouting.

"We are aware of the matter and are reviewing it," Bucs communications director Jonathan Grella said.

If convicted, Quarles could face further discipline from the NFL or the Bucs. Commissioner Roger Goodell has punished players and team administrators for violating the league's personal conduct policy.

Goodell imposed a $100,000 fine and 30-day suspension to Lions president Tom Lewand after his DUI arrest in June.

Quarles always has been known for his charitable efforts in the community. His Impact Foundation helps single-parent families. He recently raised more than $130,000 to benefit the foundation with the Shelton Quarles Celebrity Waiter night. He also hosts a pro-am as part of the PGA Transitions golf tournament in Palm Harbor.

Ex-Bucs TE Stevens arrested after fight

Former Bucs tight end Jerramy Stevens was arrested Thursday night on a felony battery charge involving two bar bouncers in Tampa.

His bail was set at $2,500, and he was released from jail.

Stevens was at Duke's Retired Surfer's Island Bar, 5210 Tyson Ave. W, about 8 p.m. when he became unruly and was asked to leave by bouncers. Police said he refused and punched two of them, William Donald Russell, 23, and Vincent Jordan, 35, who then held Stevens on the ground until officers arrived. Jordan was taken to Tampa General Hospital with a possible broken jaw.

Stevens' attorney released a statement to the St. Petersburg Times that offered a vigorous defense of Stevens and portrayed him as the victim.

The attorney said Stevens had to be treated at a hospital after his release from jail where he "received treatment for multiple broken ribs and extensive bruising to his body and face. Initial medical reports reflect his wounds are defensive in nature," he wrote.

"We are confident that when the dust settles everyone will realize that not only is Mr. Stevens innocent but more importantly the wrong person was arrested," he added.

The Bucs released Stevens, 31, on Oct. 25 after he was arrested on a felony charge of marijuana possession with intent to sell and drug paraphernalia. He has had multiple arrests during his career.

We expect a criminal football team from the Oakland Raiders or the Cincinnati Bengals, not our home town team!

Have you or a loved one been arrested and are in need of a criminal defense lawyer? Then call the law office of Blake & Dorsten, P.A. at (727) 286-6141 for a free consultation with a criminal defense attorney.