COVINGTON, KY (FOX19) - Bengals linebacker Rey Maualuga has been arrested in Kenton County.
Maualuga, 23, was pulled over in the 600 block of Scott Street in Covington around 1:45 a.m. Friday morning. Covington police spokesman Spike Jones says Maualuga allegedly hit a parking meter and two parked cars. The 2003 Pontiac Sunfire Maualuga was driving suffered "substantial" damage.
"I don't know if it's actually totaled or not, that's a judgement call, but the damage was substantial to his vehicle," said Jones. "It was inoperable."
Police say Maualuga blew a 0.15 on a Breathalyzer test, nearly two times the legal limit in Kentucky. He was arrested for operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and careless driving.
Maualuga had two passengers in the car with him - a 17-year-old girl and an 18-year-old girl, but no one was injured. An officer was alerted to the accident by a passerby.
Maualuga was sidelined with an ankle injury after the Kansas City game on Dec. 27. He was scheduled to go back home to Samoa next month, saying on his Twitter account Tuesday, "Can't wait to go to Samoa on da 7th. Stuck in Cincy for rehab. Its too cold out here for me haha. I need to get out of here."
Maualuga became a fan favorite after the airing of "Hard Knocks" on HBO. He finished his rookie season with 80 tackles (fifth on team), with one sack and two passes defensed. He also led the team in total forced fumbles (three), with two on defense and one on special teams.
Maualuga was arraigned via video on Friday morning and pled not guilty. He was released on his own recognizance. His next court date is Feb. 25.
"We will not comment on things that aren't resolved," said Jack Brennan, spokesman for the Bengals.
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Reynold Maualuga (Source: Kenton County Detention Center)
This is the scene where Rey Maualuga hit two parked cars and a parking meter. The parking meter has been removed.
This is the car Maualuga was driving. It was in an impound lot.
Maualuga was video arraigned on Friday morning.
Rey Maualuga walks out of the Kenton County Detention Center after he is released from jail on his own recognizance.
FOX19-WXIX
