Former US Soccer player Abby Wambach enters not guilty plea in DUI case

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

9 years ago

Jun 22, 2015; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; United States forward Abby Wambach (20) runs down a ball in the box against Colombia defender Angela Clavijo (13) during the first half in the round of sixteen in the FIFA 2015 women’s World Cup soccer tournament at Commonwealth Stadium. (Michael Chow/USA Today Sports)

This undated photo provided by Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office shows retired World Cup soccer champion Abby Wambach. Portland police Sgt. Peter Simpson said in a statement Sunday, April 3, 2016, that Wambach was stopped Saturday in Portland, Ore., and arrested for investigation of driving under the influence. (Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office via AP)

Jul 7, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; United States forward Abby Wambach hoists the FIFA World Cup trophy at 2015 Womens World Cup champions celebration at Microsoft Square at L.A. Live. (Kirby Lee/USA Today Sports)

Jul 10, 2015; New York, NY, USA; United States forward Abby Wambach (right), forward Christen Press (center) and defender Julie Johnston (left) celebrate winning the Women’s World Cup in a ticker tape parade. (Robert Deutsch/USA Today Sports)

Jul 7, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; United States forward Abby Wambach takes a photo with a cell phone at 2015 Womens World Cup champions celebration at Microsoft Square at L.A. Live. (Kirby Lee/USA Today Sports)

Jul 5, 2015; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; United States forward Abby Wambach (20) celebrates after defeating Japan in the final of the FIFA 2015 Women’s World Cup at BC Place Stadium. United States won 5-2. (Michael Chow/USA Today Sports)

Jun 22, 2015; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; United States forward Abby Wambach (20) kicks a penalty kick during the second half against the Colombia in the round of sixteen in the FIFA 2015 women’s World Cup soccer tournament at Commonwealth Stadium. (Erich Schlegel/USA TOoday Sports)

PORTLAND, Ore. — Abby Wambach’s attorney entered a not guilty plea on her behalf at an arraignment Tuesday on a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence of intoxicants.

Wambach, who won a World Cup with the U.S. national team last summer, was arrested on Saturday night after running a red light in Portland, Oregon, where she lives.

Wambach was not required to be present at the arraignment at the Multnomah County Courthouse. She is scheduled to speak Tuesday night at the University of Kentucky.

Her attorney, Ben Eder, had no comment following the plea. The next court date is April 26.

Wambach, a two-time Olympic gold medalist who announced her retirement from the national team in December, posted an apology on her Facebook page Sunday.

“Those that know me, know that I have always demanded excellence from myself. I have let myself and others down. I take full responsibility for my actions,” she wrote. “This is all on me. I promise that I will do whatever it takes to ensure that my horrible mistake is never repeated.”

Wambach is the leading career scorer — male or female — in international soccer with 184 goals.

Wambach appeared in four World Cups during her 15 years with the national team. She also has a pair of Olympic gold medals from the 2004 Games in Athens and the 2012 Games in London. She did not compete in the Beijing Games because of a broken leg.

One of Wambach’s sponsors, MINI USA, said Sunday night it was withdrawing ads for the automobile that feature Wambach.

“This behavior is against the values we promote as an organization and the safety of everyone on the road is a priority here at MINI. Because of this, we are re-evaluating her association with the brand and are pulling content that individually features Abby from our marketing,” the company said in a statement.