England international footballer David Bentley has apologized to his club Tottenham and fans after being arrested and charged for drunk driving.
The 24-year-old was held by police in the early hours of the morning after crashing his car into a lamp-post, and is due to appear in court on August 28. The winger was quick to release a statement on the English Premier League club’s official Web site. “I should like to apologize to my club and the supporters for my actions which led to my car accident last night and my subsequent charge,” Bentley said. “It was wholly unacceptable, and I fully appreciate that as a professional footballer I have a duty to behave in a reputable and responsible manner. “I am thankful that nobody was injured in the accident. This has been a wake-up call for me both personally and professionally.” The incident came three months after Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp warned his players about drinking following the arrest of England defender Ledley King outside a nightclub.
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Bentley, once hailed as the heir-apparent to David Beckham, has struggled since moving to White Hart Lane a year ago in a high-profile $30 million switch from Blackburn which was supposed to boost his international chances. However, he won the last of his seven caps 12 months ago, again being omitted by England coach Fabio Capello for Wednesday night’s 2-2 draw with the Netherlands after falling out of favor at Tottenham. He was brought to north London while Juande Ramos was in charge, but has not been able to oust Aaron Lennon on the right side of midfield since the arrival of Redknapp in October. Bentley had been linked with a move to EPL rivals Aston Villa this summer, and his Tottenham future is still uncertain ahead of the end of the transfer window on August 31.
