Details surrounding Arizona sophomore forward Ira Lee’s arrest for Extreme DUI came to light Wednesday morning.
Lee, who averaged 2.4 points per game in 27 appearances as a freshman, was pulled over by a University of Arizona Police Department motorcycle cop just after 1 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 19 near the intersection of Seventh Street and Warren Avenue, according to a UAPD report.
The 20-year-old student basketball player’s 2017 Hyundai Sonata sedan nearly collided with an SUV as it turned from Sixth Street onto Warren, before driving the wrong way down Warren going southbound.
Lee was shirtless in a pair of overalls when he was pulled over, according to the report, telling the responding officer, “No, no, no,” when asked if he’d been drinking that night.
The same UAPD officer noticed a strong odor of intoxicants, and Lee’s red and watery eyes, with Lee telling the officer he left his registration at his house, according to the report.
Lee failed multiple field sobriety tests and had blood alcohol content readings of .215 and .198, resulting in the citations for DUI slightest degree, DUI above .08, extreme DUI (above .15), minor drive after drinking and super extreme DUI (Above .20), in addition to a citation for failure to yield in relation to his reckless turn on Warren Avenue.
The University released a statement on Tuesday, Aug. 21, addressing Lee’s arrest and the process that will decide his academic standing in Tucson.
“The incident has been referred to the Dean of Students for review under the University’s student code of conduct, and the Athletics Department is reviewing the incident for team consequences,” the UA statement reads. “Students also have access to counseling and other support services.”
Lee is scheduled to appear in Pima County Consolidated Justice Court at 8:30 a.m. on Sept. 10 for a criminal arraignment.
This article appears in Aug 16-22, 2018.
The UofA MUST be declared an “Alcohol Free Zone”. The Decision by the UofA to sell Alcohol at Home Games was Irresponsible and tells Students it’s ok to Drink so you can “enjoy yourself”!! Ira Lee is a tragic example of the Under Age Culture of Alcohol Use at the UofA.
The vast majority of the incoming Freshman are under 21, as are most UofA Students. They are at the UofA for a University Education and NOT for Partying, with the use of Alcohol, before and after Football Games and other Athletic Events. The UofA Must reevaluate it’s support for a Questionable Athletic Program that is putting all UofA Students at Risk!!!
Unfortunately, in the meantime….Let the Bacchanalia begin on the Mall before the Football Game on September 1st (Tailgating) and continue in the Stadium during the Game to insure the these Fans “enjoy themselves”, i.e., getting Drunk and staying Drunk!!
The UofA is ALL about MONEY!!! This decision to sell Alcohol at Athletic Events, once again, is Irresponsible; putting at Risk both Students and those exposed to these Drunk Fans Driving Home!!!
One of the Primary Responsibilities of the UofA President, Dr. Bobby Robins, is the Health and Safety of UofA Students!! His Silence is deafening for not speaking out in opposition to Drinking Alcohol during the pre-game Bacchanalia on the Mall, in the Stadium, and All Athletic Events.
In fact, Dr. Robbins, along with the Board of Regents, must Prohibit the Use of Alcohol Anywhere on the UofA Campus.
Does that include the desk drawer of the tenured Professor?
Never happen. Too much money changing hands. What’s a few fatalities compared to tens of millions of dollars?
I agree with August Busch 22. It’s called “corruption”. No one likes to admit it or use such realistic definitions of how it all works. It all comes down to “personal values” and, not many posses them anymore. I.e. Catholic church for one…..Just as an example.
so none of you ever did things you wish you could take back? He will face the consequences of his actions, but at the end of the day, it’s your business because the TW tells you it is. Despite the 50 dislikes this will generate, give Ira a break!
My condolences to the young man and his family.