Drama Builds At HBO As CEO Departs

HBO's capo is making like Tony Soprano and taking an indefinite leave of absence from the cable network. Chris Albrecht, who has led the network since 2002, was arrested by Las Vegas police on Sunday, after officers said they witnessed Albrecht in a violent altercation with his girlfriend.

Albrecht joined the list of soused-but-contrite celebs who have recently blamed booze for public embarrassments. Still, Albrecht sounds more chastened than most. "Two years ago, I decided that I could handle drinking again. Clearly, I was wrong. Given that truth, I have committed myself to sobriety," he said in a memo to HBO staff announcing his resignation. (More Chris Albrecht stories.)