Former Soccer Star Abby Wambach Arrested in Oregon, Pleads Non Guilty on DUI
Retired World Cup football champion Abby Wambach was arrested for investigation of driving under the influence.Portland police said in a statement on Sunday that a sergeant stopped the 35-year-old on Saturday night after she reportedly skipped a red light while driving in her Range Rover.
Portland police also said that Abby failed sobriety tests and also a breath test at the police precinct which led to the arrests. Wambach was booked and sent to a local jail on charges of driving under influence of intoxicants. She was later released on Sunday on her own admission. Wambach is leading football player in male or female in international football with 184 career goals. She retired in December after 15-years into the sport.
"Last night I was arrested for DUII in Portland after dinner at a friend's house. Those that know me, know that I have always demanded excellence from myself. I have let myself and others down. I take full responsibility for my actions. This is all on me. I promise that I will do whatever it takes to ensure that my horrible mistake is never repeated. I am so sorry to my family, friends, fans and those that look to follow a better example."
Abby wrote in her Facebook feed. Portland police in their statement said that the footballer was polite and cooperative throughout the investigation. Wambach appeared in four World Cups with the national team. Wambach, who wrapped her career by winning the recent World cup where they defeated Japan ladies 5-2 in Canada. It was the third World Cup title for the U.S. women, and first since 1999.She also has a pair of Olympic gold medals from the 2004 Games in Athens and the 2012 Games in London.
Wambach announced her retirement in October.She however played her last match with the team in December, a 1-0 loss to China in New Orleans. Post retirement she has made several appearances in charity events and also campaigned for former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.Wambach has also been active in fighting for equal rights for female athletes