Brooklyn Nets coach Jason Kidd has been put on interim probation after he pleaded guilty Tuesday to a misdemeanor drunk driving charge he recieved a year ago, according to ESPN.com. In 2012 he drove his SUV into a pole while traveling through Long Island.
Kidd will have to address Long Island high school students about the dangers and pitfalls of driving while intoxicated in exchange for the guilty plea. Upon completing this community service, the former Phoenix Suns point guard will be handed a driving while ability impaired violation and be able to return to the floor by Sept. 30.
In addition to being an NBA coach, Kidd is also a future Hall-of-Fame point guard who retired last season as a New York Knick.
"Because of his status as a professional athlete Mr. Kidd is the perfect person to reinforce the important message we've been trying to send, which is don't drink and drive," said Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota through a statement.
According to police, Kidd’s crash occurred on July 15 of last year in the Hamptons. His defense attorney, Ed Burke Jr. said he had been on his way back from a charity event. The Southampton Town Police report said Kidd had been wobbly, had extremely red eyes and was carrying the stench of alcohol.
When the judge asked Kidd at the plea hearing how much he had to drink, the coach replied softly, ”A couple of drinks, three or four.”
"You could have killed yourself. You could have killed someone else," said Town Court Judge Andrea Schiavoni. "I hope you wake up every day happy to be here."
The 10-time All-Star nodded in response. He did not address the media upon leaving the courthouse while accompanies by his lawyer.
Previously, Kidd was arrested on for domestic violence in 2001 as a member of the Suns. He admitted he struck his ex-wife.
