Gary DUI

I had to go and open my big mouth yesterday about nobody getting in trouble with the law. Gary Payton was caught driving drunk.

Adding a sad chapter to a spectacular career, Gary Payton was cited for driving under the influence by the California Highway Patrol on Aug. 28 at 1:14 a.m. Payton was heading north on the San Diego Freeway and stuck in traffic because of an accident.

To avoid the congestion, Payton backed up in an attempt to take an off ramp. Cited for "unsafe backing" in his 2005 Chrysler 300C, Payton was then given a field sobriety test and determined to be under the influence of alcohol.

After taking a breathalyzer at the West Los Angeles Police Department, Payton was cited for DUI and released to his wife, Monique. His blood-alcohol content was not released.

As a member of the Lakers last year, Payton experienced a sudden downturn in playing time and productivity, most observers believing the Glove, at 36, has lost the quickness to excel like he used to.

Re-signing with the Lakers for $5.4 million, Payton was subsequently traded on Aug. 6 to Boston, where he failed to report for a physical. Whether he reports for Celtics' training camp is debatable -- Payton, not wanting to leave the West Coast, has threatened to retire.

Payton is due in court Oct. 15; on court, perhaps never again.

Here's another link.

On a totally unrelated thought, Gary and Vin Baker were best of friends in Seattle...