Spurs general manager R.C. Buford was driving home from a fundraiser at Freeman Coliseum when he was arrested Friday on suspicion of DWI and open container, according to a San Antonio police report.
Buford, 51,crashed his vehicle into a fence near the intersection of Martin and Pecos La Trinidad at 11 p.m., according to the report.
An officer allegedly spotted Buford leaving the scene and followed him to a nearby parking lot, where he was driving around in circles. When approached by the officer, Buford was sitting in the driver's seat with his head in his hands.
The officer said Buford tried to roll down the back window, then the front, and tried to exit the car but the door locked on him.
Buford blames low blood sugar
Buford told police he had the lowest blood sugar ever and said that he didn't know what happened, according to the report.
Buford told the officer he had just left a fundraiser at the Freeman Coliseum, where he admitted to having one beer with his dinner. He also explained that he was going home, but missed Highway 281.
Noticing that Buford appeared to be shivering, the officers asked if he wanted to put on his jacket. Buford declined and explained to officers that he is a type one diabetic.
Officers asked how he controlled his diabetes, and Buford showed them his insulin pump. He then told officers he has been diabetic for nearly 30 years and has never had this happen before.
Officers asked Buford to get out of the car and submit to a sobriety test. Buford cooperated but failed, according to the report.
Officers also found a small cup containing liquid inside Buford's car. He was arrested and charged with DWI and open container.
Effect on Spurs franchise
Buford's arrest is a blow to the image of a franchise often lauded for its character and deportment from top to bottom.
That this incident occurred during the NBA lockout adds more angst to a long offseason for the Spurs, whowere eliminated in the first round of the playoffs last seasondespite finishing withthe best record in the Western Conference.
Buford became the Spurs' general manager in 2002, succeeding Coach Gregg Popovich. The Spurs have won three of their four NBA championships --in 2003, 2005 and 2007 -- with Buford as GM.
Working closely with Popovich, Buford has helped build one of the NBA's most consistent franchises in the past decade. While not as curt and caustic as Popovich, Bufordcan bejust asabruptand standoffish with his aloof personality.
Buford, who first joined the Spurs as an assistant toCoach Larry Brown in 1988,is also president of sports franchises for Spurs Sports & Entertainment.
In a statement released on behalf of Buford on Saturday, the GM was quoted: I take great pride in being a positive member of our community and deeply regret this incident, Buford was quoted saying. I apologize to our community, our fans and the entire Spurs family.
According to court documents, Buford was booked into Bexar County Jail at 3:38 a.m. Saturday. He was released that morning on a $2,500 bond.
