CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carolina Panthers running back Lamar Smith was charged with drunken driving Thursday, the latest legal embarrassment for the team.
The 31-year-old player was charged with driving while impaired, speeding and reckless driving, according to a deputy with the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Department. Smith was released several hours later after posting a $1,200 bond.
Smith's telephone number is not listed, and he could not be reached for comment. It was unclear whether he had obtained a lawyer.
Panthers spokesman Charlie Dayton declined to comment when reached at home Thursday evening.
Smith, who signed a three-year, $4.3 million contract with the Panthers in March as an unrestricted free agent, has started in all 11 games this season and rushed for 737 yards with seven touchdowns.
He has spent nine seasons in the NFL with Seattle, New Orleans, Miami and Carolina.
Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith was suspended for one game by the team Nov. 20 for a fight that sent teammate Anthony Bright to the hospital. Bright had a broken nose, and he pressed assault charges.
The Panthers also released offensive tackle Chris Terry, who was arrested Nov. 20 for failing to appear in court on a misdemeanor charge of assaulting his wife.