Chargers third-string cornerback arrested on DUI count   

SAN DIEGO (AP) -- Third-string cornerback Cletis Gordon was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving early Monday, the sixth run-in with the law by a Chargers player since April.

San Diego police took Gordon, a 23-year-old rookie, into custody in downtown's Gaslamp Quarter about 2:15 a.m., some 10 hours after the Chargers beat the Oakland Raiders 21-14. His car was impounded, and he was released on his own recognizance later in the morning, a jail clerk said.

"I think we need to wait until all the facts are brought out," coach Marty Schottenheimer said. "He was brought in. My understanding is he did the test and it was below the number. I don't know. We'll have to wait and see."

Gordon wasn't available for comment.

"We are all disappointed," general manager A.J. Smith said. "We'll let the legal system run its course. It will be discussed and handled internally."

ADVERTISEMENT


Gordon, who signed as an undrafted rookie, had a wrist injury early in the season and hasn't made it onto the field all year. The Chargers (9-2) have won five straight games and lead the AFC West.

The Chargers have had several off-field issues this year.

Outside linebacker Steve Foley was shot three times near his suburban home early on Sept. 3 by an off-duty police officer who suspected him of drunk driving. Foley will miss the entire season and was charged with two counts of DUI.

Safety Terrence Kiel was arrested on five felony drug counts in September and has pleaded not guilty. He missed one game.

Cornerback Markus Curry, who had been demoted to the practice squad, was released on Oct. 9, just hours after he was arrested on suspicion of committing domestic violence.

Foley and fellow outside linebacker Shaun Phillips were each arrested for scuffling with San Diego police officers a week apart in April. Neither was charged.

Besides the arrests, outside linebacker Shawne Merriman was suspended for four games for testing positive for steroids. He returned to the team on Monday.

Associated Press writer Allison Hoffman contributed to this story.