Yankees' Chamberlain arrested, apologizes

LINCOLN , Neb., Oct. 19 (UPI) -- Starting New York Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain was arrested in Lincoln, Neb., on a drunken driving charge, state police said.

Chamberlain, 23, who later issued an apology to the Yankees and their fans, was arrested Saturday in his hometown when a trooper stopped his 2006 BMW car for allegedly speeding, said Deb Collins, a spokeswoman for the Nebraska State Patrol.

The trooper allegedly smelled alcohol on Chamberlain's breath and saw an open container of alcohol on the front passenger seat, Collins told the New York Daily News in a story published Sunday.

Chamberlain, who is charged with driving while under the influence, speeding and having an open container of alcohol in his car, likely will be arraigned Monday, Collins said.

In a statement released by his agent, Chamberlain said:

"I want to apologize to the New York Yankees and the fans for an error in judgment and for putting myself in a difficult situation. I intend to properly resolve this situation, and do not intend to be in such a situation again. My goal is to focus on pitching for the Yankees in the 2009 season."

Yankee officials, who said they had no comment on the arrest, called Chamberlain up in August 2007, the News reported, noting he appeared in 42 games this season, ending with a 4-3 record and a 2.60 ERA.