Falcons back Michael Turner charged with DUI, released on bond

Atlanta, GA, United States (4E Sports) – Hours after helping the Falcons beat Peyton Manning and the Broncos Monday night, Atlanta running back Michael Turner was jailed on charges of drunken driving and speeding early Tuesday.

According to Gwinnett County Jail records, Turner was booked into the jail just after 5 a.m. local time, and was released about two hours later.

Turner, 30, of Suwanee, was released on $2,006 bond for the DUI charge, while the bond for the speeding charge was $173.

Cpl. Edwin Ritter, a police spokesman, said a Gwinnett County officer stopped Turner’s Audi R8 sports car on I-85 northbound near Indian Trail Road just after 4 a.m. for going 97 mph in a 65 mph zone.

“We are aware of the situation involving Michael and are in the process of gathering more information,” the Falcons said in a statement. “Because this is now a legal matter, the club will have no further comment at this time.”

Pertaining to Turner’s arrest coach Mike Smith during Tuesday’s news conference said, “First and foremost, anytime a player sheds negatively on our football team and our organization, we’re very disappointed. This is a legal matter that is very well defined on how we have to proceed through the league. We’ll let this process run its course. I want to emphasize that I’ve spoken with Michael we’ve had a conversation and like all conversations with my players, we like to keep those internally.”

Turner, earning $5 million in base salary in the fifth season of a six-year, $34 million contract he signed with the Falcons as a free agent in the 2008 offseason after spending his first four years with the Chargers, could face discipline from the league office for his latest legal problem.

In Monday Night Football, Turner rushed for 42 yards and a TD on 17 carries in a 27-21 triumph over the Broncos.

Turner has rushed for 74 yards and one TD in two contests this season.

Turner has registered 5,335 yards and a franchise-record 51 rushing TDs in four-plus seasons with the Falcons. He was also recognized with Pro Bowl honors in the 2008 and 2010 seasons, when he led the NFL in rushing attempts.

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