Todd Helton arrested for DUI, Rockies issue statement

Rockies first baseman Todd Helton was arrested for a DUI on Wednesday morning. (Mike McGinnis/Getty Images)

Colorado Rockies first baseman Todd Helton was arrested Wednesday morning for driving under the influence, according to a report from Troy E. Renck from The Denver Post.  He was arrested early in the morning in Thornton, Colo., some 15 miles from Brighton, where he lives year-round with his wife and two daughters.

The Rockies confirmed the report and issued a statement later in the day, saying that the entire organization is disappointed but believe that Helton is a man with "strong values that are grounded in his family and hard work."

Helton, 39, had considered retiring after last year when he had hip surgery but said in January that he will return to the Rockies for the final year of his contract and for what will likely be the last season of his career. A five-time All-Star, he has spent his entire career with the Rockies, amassing 2,420 hits, 354 home runs and 1,345 RBIs with a .320 batting average.

In the statement issued by the Rockies today, the organization said that Helton is taking full responsibility for his actions:

"We were extremely disappointed to learn that Todd was arrested this morning. This type of behavior is taken very seriously by our organization. We know that he clearly understands the seriousness of his poor decision, the harm that could have been inflicted on others and the embarrassment his mistake has caused to himself, his family, the Colorado Rockies organization and to Major League Baseball. Todd is taking full accountability for his actions with his family, his fans and the organization. The man we have grown to know has strong values that are grounded in his family and hard work. Todd clearly understands the severity of the situation."