Raptors' Jonas Valanciunas charged with DUI
Jonas Valanciunas (center) is averaging 11 points and 8.6 rebounds this season. (Ron Turenne/Getty Images)
Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas has reportedly been charged with drunk driving in Wasaga Beach, Canada.
Toronto's NewsTalk1010 and TSN 1050 Radio both report that the incident occurred early Monday morning, citing an Ontario Provincial Police statement.
At about 2:30 a.m., OPP officers responded to a report of a silver car going through a drive-through with open beer bottles inside. Police say they located the vehicle near a residence on Oxbow Park Rd. ... The charge carries a $1,000 fine and one-year license suspension for first-time offenders.
The Raptors confirmed an "incident" involving Valanciunas in a statement on Monday afternoon.
"We were made aware this morning of the incident involving Jonas Valanciunas and are disappointed he has put himself in this situation," the statement read. "We take this matter very seriously as we have the highest expectations for all members of our organization. At this time we are continuing to gather information and we will comment further when appropriate."
Later Monday, Valanciunas issued an apology.
"I hold myself to a high standard and take my role as a member of the Toronto Raptors very seriously," he said in a statement. "I apologize to the organization, my teammates, my family and my fans, and regret any negativity this incident has brought upon them."
Valanciunas, 21, scored 17 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in Toronto's 102-98 road victory over Milwaukee on Friday. The Raptors had a three-day break in the schedule following that victory before hosting the Sixers on Wednesday.
A 2011 lottery pick, the 6-foot-11 Lithuanian big man is averaging a career-high 11 points and 8.6 rebounds in 28.1 minutes over 76 appearances this season. He was one of the standout performers at the 2013 Las Vegas Summer League.
Ontario's Wasaga Beach is located roughly two hours north of Toronto and is a popular weekend getaway spot and tourist destination.
