Former Pittsburgh Steelers star Louis Lipps won’t participate in his scheduled team Hall of Honor induction on Sunday after a drunk-driving arrest last weekend.
Lipps, 59, reportedly was arrested on two misdemeanor DUI charges in the Mount Washington area of Pittsburgh. Lipps reportedly had a blood-alcohol level of 0.235, nearly three times the legal limit in Pennsylvania.
“I understand the significance of my actions this past weekend, and I want to apologize and take responsibility for what occurred,” Lipps said in a statement released by the Steelers. “I have spoken with (team president) Art Rooney II and informed him that I will not attend the Steelers’ Hall of Honor ceremonies this weekend.
“While I am flattered, humbled and honored to be included for recognition along with the other former players who are also deserving of this special weekend, I do not want to be a distraction. I am committed to working through the consequences of what transpired and will continue to be an active part of this community and the Steelers’ alumni.”
Rooney said the franchise will induct Lipps at a future date.
“We appreciate Louis’ willingness to take responsibility for what transpired last weekend, and his decision not to attend the ceremonies this weekend,” Rooney said in a statement. “We will move forward with Louis’ induction into the Hall of Honor at the appropriate time in the future.”
According to police, Lipps crashed his vehicle into a parked trailer. They said he declined to take a field sobriety test and had trouble speaking and standing.
The blood-alcohol level test was taken more than an hour after the stop, according to police. Lipps was taken to Allegheny County Jail and released Sunday morning. He has a preliminary hearing on Nov. 22.
Lipps was a two-time Pro Bowl receiver for the Steelers from 1984-1991. He caught 358 passes for 6,018 yards and 39 touchdowns in 108 games for the team and also was a standout punt returner, averaging a franchise-record 11.3 yards and returning three for touchdowns.
Lipps was a first-round draft choice out of Southern Miss in 1984 and was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in his first season.
Lipps completed his career by playing in two games for the New Orleans Saints in 1992.
The 2021 Hall of Honor class consists of offensive tackle Jon Kolb, safety Carnell Lake and the late Tunch Ilkin, an offensive tackle and broadcaster. The induction takes place Sunday when the Steelers host the Detroit Lions.
–Field Level Media
