Lineman apologetic and 'embarrassed'

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BALDWIN, N.Y. -- New York Jets defensive lineman John Abraham was charged with drunken driving after he drove his sports utility vehicle into a fire hydrant and lightpole, police said.

	Abraham

Abraham pleaded not guilty Thursday and was released on his own recognizance, said Rick Hinshaw, a spokesman for the Nassau County district attorney's office. The misdemeanor charge of driving while intoxicated carries a maximum sentence up to one year in jail.

The accident occurred Wednesday night on Long Island, police said. Abraham, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, and the two passengers in the Hummer were not injured.

"I apologize to my family, my teammates, the coaching staff, and the entire New York Jets' organization for my actions," Abraham said in a statement released by the team. "I am embarrassed by this situation, and I will learn from this."

Jets coach Herman Edwards said Thursday he was disappointed in Abraham and felt as though he shared some responsibility.

"It rests on my shoulders and I failed," Edwards said. "I feel as bad as he does today. We'll help him, we'll get it corrected and we'll move down the road."

The Jets are in their off week after beginning the season 0-4. Edwards would not say whether Abraham would play next week against Buffalo. Abraham went home to South Carolina and will return to practice Monday.

Abraham was a first-round draft pick in 2000 -- one of a record four the Jets had that year -- and has been the team's most consistent defender the last two years, when he made the Pro Bowl.

In 2001, he had 13 sacks among his 82 tackles and the Jets made the playoffs. Last season, he had 10 sacks, again in 82 tackles, and the team won the AFC East.

This season, he has 2½ sacks.

Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press

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