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BEREA, Ohio – Cleveland Browns offensive guard Paul Zukauskas was arrested and charged with driving under the influence after a traffic stop early Tuesday.

	Zukauskas

Zukauskas, a four-year veteran, was stopped by the State Highway Patrol on Tuesday in suburban Cleveland. Troopers said he made a sudden right turn from the wrong lane and without signaling.

Zukauskas was arrested after a field sobriety test and charged with operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol and making an improper right turn.

"I'm not guilty," Zukauskas said before practice Wednesday. "I'll let the legal system take its course. I'm disappointed. I'm sorry for even having to be here and talking about it."

State Patrol Lt. Rick Zwayer said Zukauskas refused to take a breath test, which under state law will result in a one-year suspension of his license, pending an appeal.

Zukauskas will plead not guilty Friday when he appears in Medina Municipal Court, according to his attorney, Neal Jamison. He has no prior arrests.

Zukauskas, 25, was drafted by the Browns in the seventh round (203rd overall) in 2001. He made 10 starts at right guard last season and five this year at left guard before being replaced in Week 3. He was inactive for two games this season.

Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press