Rockets' Francis arrested for DWI
December 16, 2001
HOUSTON (AP) -- Injured Houston Rockets point guard Steve Francis was arrested Sunday and charged with driving while intoxicated.
Police said Francis was stopped around 5 a.m. after an officer saw him run a red light, police spokesman Alvin Wright said.
Francis was released on bail later Sunday. He did not comment as he left the jail. A hearing is set for Friday.
The Rockets did not immediately return a message seeking comment.
Francis led the team with 21 points per game and was the top rebounder among NBA guards when he went down with a left foot injury Nov. 25. The Rockets haven't won since he went on the injured list and are mired in a 13-game skid.
The arrest came two days after the NBA suspended Rockets forward Maurice Taylor, himself out for the season with a right Achilles' tendon injury, for five games next year for drug use. Taylor acknowledged smoking marijuana.
Francis was the second overall choice in the 1999 draft, but refused to sign with the Vancouver Grizzlies, forcing a trade to Houston.
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