Major League Baseball

Dodgers' Loney avoids DUI charges

Published Feb. 1, 2012 12:00 a.m. ET

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Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman James Loney has avoided DUI charges after prosecutors determined there was insufficient evidence to charge him, the Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday.

Loney was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving on Nov. 14 after allegedly sideswiping his Maserati into several cars on a Los Angeles freeway.

A California Highway Patrol officer at the scene reported that Loney appeared to have "objective symptoms of being intoxicated or being under the influence of something."

A report by TMZ at the time of the incident said the 27-year-old ballplayer refused to submit to a blood-alcohol test at the scene and allegedly spat a Breathalyzer mouthpiece at an officer.

But subsequent toxicology tests came back negative, leaving prosecutors zero evidence to pursue the DUI case.

Loney's attorney Dmitry Gorin said in a statement Wednesday that his client was pleased the issue had been resolved, the Times reported.

"Independent lab analysis reconfirmed that Mr. Loney did not have any unlawful substances or alcohol in his blood," he said.

"The traffic accident reports described that Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics quickly responded to the scene and determined that Mr. Loney displayed symptoms consistent with head trauma, including disorientation. As a result of his trauma, Mr. Loney was immediately transported and admitted to Sherman Oaks Hospital for medical treatment."

Loney, who has spent his entire six-year major league career in Los Angeles, signed a one-year, $6.4 million deal with the club in January and is eligible for free agency after next season.