After a promising month of great publicity stemming from his slightly controversial bio-pic about the Fab-Five, ESPN NBA analyst Jalen Rose was removed from his on-air duties following the emergence of reports regarding a suspicion of DUI charge he received three weeks prior to him disclosing the incident to his bosses.  The colorful and well-spoken Rose, 38, has since admitted that he was legally drunk and apologized for his decision to drive home drunk.

In a statement released by Rose via the Disney subsidiary, he admitted poor judgment and accepted full responsibility:

“I regret the decision to drive home that evening and am grateful that no one was hurt in the accident. I apologize to my family, my employer and each and every one of my supporters for my lapse in judgment. I am particularly sorry for disappointing those who trust me to serve as a role model for young people.  I accept full responsibility for my actions and look forward to a resolution of the legal matter as soon as possible.”

On March 11th at 2 a.m. concerned citizen called the police after spotting Rose’s SUV in a ditch off highway in West Bloomfield, Michigan.  Rose declined to participate in a Breathalyzer test, after which he was taken into custody and forced to submit to a hospital blood alcohol test.

Rose’s failure to report the development to ESPN caused a bit of embarrassment to the self proclaimed “leader in sports” because another “smaller,” local news outlet broke the story ahead of them.

ESPN’s recent partnership with the Poynter Institute Review Project helped the sports network jump out ahead of the fallout from critics that may cry foul and accuse the network of covering up Rose’s mistake.  In a blog written and published on ESPN, the Poynter Institute dutifully stated,  “Rose’s concealment compromises ESPN.”

It always a sticky situation when one has to reveal personal matters to an employer, knowing that the situation may result in punishment, or, in the worst case scenario, banishment.  DUI’s and DWI’s pose problems for certain high-profile employees and can be brushed under the carpet for other employees.

Sound off:  Do you think Rose should be fired or just suspended from ESPN?  Would you tell your employer about a DUI or DWI?

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