Former UFC middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya has pleaded guilty to drunk-driving charges in his home country of New Zealand.
Why Israel Adesanya was arrested?
The incident took place on August 19, when Adesanya was pulled over and found with 87 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood in his system.
The legal limit in New Zealand is 50 milligrams. Adesanya was returning from dinner with friends when he ‘encountered a Random Breath Testing unit’ in Auckland, his team told ESPN.
Potential Legal Consequences
He could face up to a $2,680 fine and/or three months in jail, according to ESPN.
Don’t drive after drinking
‘I want to apologize to the community, my family and my team for the decision I made to get behind the wheel after drinking at a dinner,’ Adesanya said in a statement provided to ESPN.
‘I am disappointed with my decision to drive, it was wrong. I know that people might follow me and I want them to know I do not think this behavior is acceptable.’
However, his lawyer, Karl Trotter, requested that no conviction be entered, which was granted by the judge.
Anticipating the sentencing
Adesanya’s sentencing will take place on January 10, 2024.
Despite the legal issues he faces, his lawyer is hopeful for a discharge without conviction.
It is currently uncertain what the outcome will be and how it might impact Adesanya’s illustrious UFC career.
Trotter will seek a discharge without conviction at the sentencing, which is scheduled for January 10. Trotter described Adesanya as feeling quite contrite but did not provide further comment.
