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Real Salt Lake midfielder Sebastian Velasquez pleaded guilty Wednesday to driving under the influence and was sentenced to probation, a fine and community service. Velasquez, 23, was arrested in the early hours of May 19 on suspicion of driving under the influence after he was stopped for speeding on Interstate 15 near 2700 South.
A police report stated that an officer detected an odor of alcohol and that Velasquez failed field sobriety tests.
He was subsequently charged in the Salt Lake City Justice Court with class B misdemeanor DUI and class C misdemeanor speeding 84 mph in a 65 mph zone.
On Wednesday, Velasquez pleaded guilty to the DUI charge and the speeding count was dismissed.
Judge Jeanne Robison immediately sentenced him to 180 days in jail, but suspended all but two days, adding that he may complete 24 hours of community service in lieu of jail time.
During his 12-month probation, Velasquez also must pay a $1,420 fine, install an ignition interlock on his car, attend a Mothers Against Drunk Drivers Impact Panel and refrain from consuming any alcohol or drugs unless medically prescribed.
Velasquez has been away from the club since his arrest. Real Salt Lake general manager Garth Lagerwey said the midfielder, who is in his third season with RSL, also has been dealing with family issues but is expected back with RSL soon.
"Under league policy, there's a protocol to be followed under these situations under the joint substance abuse and behavior health program," Lagerwey said. "We have followed the initial steps and we anticipate that Sebastian will rejoin the team in full training by the end of [this] week."