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Chicago Bear Charged With Drunken Boating

Benson says he was sober, and cops maced him unnecessarily

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted May 5, 2008 8:26 AM CDT

(Newser) – Chicago Bears running back Cedric Benson was booked in Austin, Texas on Saturday night for boating while intoxicated and resisting arrest, the Chicago Tribune reports. The former Texas Longhorn denies all charges and alleges that police acted improperly in macing him without provocation. Bears coach Lovie Smith said he was "disappointed," but reserving judgment until more details surface.

"This is tough to deal with because you're guilty until proven innocent," Benson said. "My name is blasted out there like I was fighting these police officers or something. That totally was not the deal. I'm not stupid." Calling the officers' actions unjust, Benson's lawyer vowed to "resolve this." Each charge carries a possible $2,000 fine and 6 months in jail.

Chicago Bears running back Cedric Benson denies that he was drunk, and says that police maced him for questioning them, not resisting arrest.
Chicago Bears running back Cedric Benson denies that he was drunk, and says that police maced him for questioning them, not resisting arrest.   (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
In this booking mug, Chicago Bears running back Cedric Benson is shown after he was arrested Saturday in Austin, Texas. Benson allegedly failed a sobriety test while operating a boat.
In this booking mug, Chicago Bears running back Cedric Benson is shown after he was arrested Saturday in Austin, Texas. Benson allegedly failed a sobriety test while operating a boat.   (AP Photo/Austin Police Dept)
Benson faces criminal charges of boating while intoxicated and resisting arrest Saturday, May 3, 2008 in Austin, Texas.
Benson faces criminal charges of boating while intoxicated and resisting arrest Saturday, May 3, 2008 in Austin, Texas.   (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, file)
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