Minnesota Twins pitching coach Neil Allen has been suspended indefinitely by the team in wake of his DUI arrest late last week. The team announced that minor league pitching coordinator Eric Rasmussen will take over at the major league level in the interim.
According to the police report, Allen was stopped by officers in Hennepin County around 2 a.m. Thursday in Minneapolis. Allen refused to comply with the officer’s request for a warrant-less breath test, but he was still placed under arrest for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. He was booked into Hennepin County jail around 3:45 a.m. and was released about seven hours later.
The Twins released a statement after learning of Allen’s arrest.
“The Minnesota Twins are aware of the pending DWI charge against pitching coach Neil Allen. Mr. Allen has been suspended, with pay, indefinitely and the matter will be handled in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Minnesota Twins Baseball Club.” The statement also said the team will have no further comment.
To Blow Or Not To Blow?
By not submitting to a warrant-less breath test, it will be harder for police to build an airtight case against Allen. If the cop does not have a warrant, you do not need to acquiesce to his request, but that doesn’t mean you’ll get off scot-free. Like Allen, you can still be arrested for driving under the influence, and you can also be charged with refusing to submit to a breathalyzer, which is a crime in and of itself.
That could soon change, though, as the United States Supreme Court is currently reviewing whether or not it should be a crime to refuse a warrant-less breath test if you are suspected of driving under the influence. You can read more about the case, which centers around Minnesota’s “Implied Consent” Law, by following this link. As for Mr. Allen, he has dealt with alcohol issues in the past, and hopefully he can get the services he needs to get his life back on the right track.
