Phoenix Mercury suspend Diana Taurasi after DUI arrest

Mercury suspend Taurasi after DUI arrest

PHOENIX — The Phoenix Mercury have suspended guard Diana Taurasi for two games without pay after she was cited on drunk-driving related charges.

In a release Thursday, the team said Taurasi was suspended “for conduct detrimental to the team.” Taurasi will miss Saturday’s game against Detroit and next Wednesday’s game against Minnesota.

“I am deeply sorry and embarrassed for causing this distraction for my teammates, the Phoenix Mercury, the WNBA, family and fans,” Taurasi said in a statement. “While I cannot say more with regards to the specifics of the case, I do want to make sure that everyone knows how much I appreciate their support and that I’ve learned a valuable lesson. I am committed to making sure a lot of good comes from this experience.”

Taurasi faces three drunk-driving related charges, including extreme DUI, for a July 2 incident in which she also was cited for speeding. The 27-year-old guard was cited hours after she scored 22 points in the Mercury’s 93-81 victory over the Seattle Storm.

A Phoenix police report released Tuesday shows Taurasi’s blood-alcohol level was 0.17 percent, more than twice the Arizona legal limit of 0.08 percent.

Taurasi pleaded not guilty to the DUI charges and not responsible to the speeding citation.

Her next scheduled court date is Wednesday.

Taurasi was the top pick in the 2004 WNBA draft after leading Connecticut to three consecutive NCAA titles.