Retired Steelers wide receiver Louis Lipps will not be present during the Steelers’ Hall of Honor ceremonies taking place at Heinz Field this weekend, after he was arrested for DUI over the weekend.
In a statement Lipps said. “I understand the significance of my actions this past weekend and I want to apologize and take responsibility for what occurred.”
Lipps adds he talked with Steelers president Art Rooney II and told him he will not be in attendance.
“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,” Lipps added. “I am committed to work through the consequences of what transpired and will continue to be an active part of this community and the Steelers’ alumni.”
Lipps crashed his truck into a parked trailer on Ruth Street before 11 p.m. on Saturday.
According to a complaint, Lipps’ blood-alcohol level was almost three times the legal limit.
His wife was a passenger in the truck, but the complaint made no mention of any injuries.
He had a hard time walking with officers having to prevent him from falling over during a field sobriety test.
When asked how much he had to drink, Lipps told police, “A lot,” according to the complaint obtained by the Post-Gazette. He was taken into custody and his damaged truck was towed from the scene.
Lipps is charged with two counts of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Controlled Substance.
The 59-year-old Lipps was taken by the Steelers 23rd overall in the 1984 draft out of Southern Mississippi.
Over his nine-year career, eight with the Steelers, Lipps has 359 catches for 6,019 total yards, scoring 39 receiving touchdowns and four rushing.
He was named the NFL’ Rookie of the year in 1984, made two Pro Bowls and was named an All-Pro twice.
Along with Lipps, former safety Carnell Lake, offensive lineman Jon Kolb and the late offensive lineman/broadcaster Tunch Ilkin will be inducted into the Hall of Honor.