On Friday, former NHL defenceman Ray Bourque was charged with driving under the influence after allegedly rear-ended a minivan in a construction zone. Nobody was injured during the incident, and the former Bruin was taken into custody.
On Monday, the 55-year-old Bourque pleaded not guilty in Lawrence District Court.
According to a police report filed in court, Bourque’s blood-alcohol level was 0.249 – about three times the legal limit. He told police he had “a few drinks” according to Sportsnet.
“For the first time in my life, I find myself in unfamiliar territory,” said Bourque in a statement according to the Associated Press. “I am not happy about the situation I put myself into.”
Bourque accepted responsibility for his actions explaining that he understands that he’s a public figure often in the eye of the media. And while he did plead not guilty, he asked for privacy while he dealt with the matter.
Bourque’s decorated NHL career spanned 22 seasons where he collected 1,579 points (410g-1,169a) in 1,612 career regular season games. He finally won the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2001 and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2004.
