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Newly Named White Sox Manager LaRussa Charged With DUI

Chicago White Sox manager Tony La Russa has been charged with driving under the influence again.

 

According to the Maricopa County Justice Courts website, the arrest occurred in February, but the case was filed on Oct. 28, one day before La Russa’s hiring was announced by the White Sox.

 

There is no attorney listed for La Russa on the website.

 

White Sox spokesman Scott Reifert said the team was aware of the arrest when the 76-year-old La Russa was hired.

 

La Russa pleaded guilty to driving under the influence in Florida in 2007 after police found him asleep inside his running sport utility vehicle at a stop light and smelling of alcohol.

 

La Russa was hired by Chicago in a surprise move after Rick Renteria was let go in what the team insisted was a mutual decision. La Russa, who is friends with team owner Jerry Reinsdorf, started his managing career with the White Sox during the 1979 season.

 

The Hall of Famer hasn’t managed a big league club since 2011, when he led St. Louis past Texas in the World Series. He also won championships with Oakland in 1989 and the Cardinals in 2006.

 

ESPN reported La Russa allegedly ran his car into a curb in the Phoenix area on Feb. 24. A peace officer found La Russa standing next to his SUV, according to the ESPN report, citing an affidavit filed by the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

 

La Russa was taken into custody after a field sobriety test. In the affidavit cited by ESPN, the peace officer described him as “argumentative.”

 

La Russa is the oldest manager in the major leagues by five years. Houston’s Dusty Baker is 71.

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