Russ Smith (Credit: X @_Cardiac_Card)
Photo : Twitter
Officers pulled Smith over after observing him make a U-turn across multiple lanes and noting that his license plate was expired. Police reported a “strong odor of alcoholic beverages” on Smith’s breath. He admitted to drinking “two bourbon pours neat” before driving, then failed a field sobriety test, including a walk-and-turn.
WDRB reported that Smith “swayed” when exiting his vehicle and registered a blood alcohol content of 0.073. While this is below Kentucky’s legal limit of 0.08, state law allows DUI charges for levels between 0.04 and 0.08 if other evidence supports impairment.
Smith was charged with DUI, reckless driving, and operating a vehicle with unregistered plates. He was released without bond and is scheduled for arraignment on June 11 in Jefferson County District Court.
Russ Smith’s Basketball Career
A Queens, New York native, Russ Smith starred at Archbishop Molloy High School before playing four seasons at Louisville, where he averaged 14.3 points per game. He was a key member of the Cardinals’ 2013 NCAA Championship team, a title later vacated by the NCAA.
Smith had brief NBA stints with the New Orleans Pelicans and Memphis Grizzlies and played overseas and in the G-League. He is expected to compete in this summer’s $1 million winner-take-all Basketball Tournament.
