Retired soccer star Abby Wambach apologizes after DUI arrest

PORTLAND, Ore., April 3 (UPI) -- Retired U.S. women's soccer star Abby Wambach apologized Sunday after she was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving in Portland.

Wambach, 35, was released on her own recognizance and charged with misdemeanor DUI early Sunday, USA Today reported. Hours later, she turned to Facebook for her apology.

"Last night I was arrested for DUI 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," she said. "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."

Portland police Sgt. Peter Simpson said a sergeant stopped Wambach after she ran a red light in her Range Rover near downtown, Fox Sports reported.

Simpson said Wambach, a Portland resident, failed a field sobriety test and was subsequently arrested. He said she also failed a breath test at a police precinct.

Wambach retired from the U.S. national soccer team in 2015 after the team won the 2015 Women's World Cup. The former star is the all-time leading scorer for the United States with 184 goals in 255 national team appearances.

Her final game with the national team came in mid-December in New Orleans against China.

"I love this team, this country, and it has been my pleasure and my honor to represent you all, the fans, for as long as I've been able to," Wambach said following the 1-0 loss that drew a crowd of more than 30,000 fans.

Just last Wednesday Wambach played in a pro-am with Caitlyn Jenner in Rancho Mirage, Calif.

Wambach was booked into the Multnomah County Jail and released later in the morning.