ESPN Men's Basketball

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Illinois basketball player Jamar Smith -- charged with drunk driving and leaving the scene of an accident -- turned himself in to authorities Wednesday.

Smith surrendered at the Champaign County sheriff's office. He was processed and released after posting 10 percent of a $10,000 bond set on Tuesday by Judge Tom Difanis, authorities said.

Defense attorney Mark D. Lipton said earlier Wednesday that Smith, 19, planned to plead not guilty to the charges and would request a jury trial.

"Jamar and I are confident that this matter can be appropriately resolved in due course," Lipton said in a written statement.

Smith, a sophomore guard, was driving a Lexus in snowy conditions on Feb. 12 when the car struck a tree. Authorities say Smith and his passenger, teammate Brian Carlwell, had been drinking tequila and beer before the crash.

Authorities say Smith, who allegedly believed Carlwell was dead, left the accident scene and drove back to his apartment. Bystanders saw the damaged car with an unconscious Carlwell inside and called police.

The accident left Carlwell, 19, hospitalized with a severe concussion. It also cost Smith the rest of the season; coach Bruce Weber said Smith agreed to sit out the remainder of the year.

Carlwell spent four days at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. The freshman center was released from the hospital on Friday and could play again late this season.

Smith, who is too young to drink, had a blood-alcohol level of .176, more than twice the legal limit of .08, authorities said. He was treated at the same hospital as Carlwell for a minor concussion and released early the next morning.

Lipton said some reports about the crash have been inaccurate.

"Neither Jamar nor I will be attempting to litigate this matter in the media," the attorney said.

He also said Smith was "pleased" that Carlwell appears to be in good health

"Jamar is concerned about Brian and was pleased and thankful that his prayers for Brian's speedy and full recovery appear to have been answered," Lipton said.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press