Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Louis Lipps Jr. entered an accelerated probationary program Friday following a drunken driving crash in November.
As part of the deal, Lipps must serve 12 months of probation, attend safe driving school and undergo a 60-day license suspension.
Lipps entered the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program in a virtual appearance Friday morning before Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge Edward J. Borkowski.
The criminal charges against Lipps would be removed from his criminal record upon successful completion of the program.
Attorney Robert Del Greco, who represents Lipps, said Lipps made sure the owner of the trailer he struck “was made whole for the property damage” he caused.
“Lipps continues to be a fan favorite and regrets his actions on Nov. 6, 2021,” Del Greco said.
Lipps, 59, was charged after police said he crashed his pickup into a parked trailer on the street where he lives in Mt. Washington around 11 p.m. Nov. 6.
Police said Lipps had trouble speaking and standing after the crash and did not take standard field sobriety tests because he told officers he thought he would fall.
A breath test taken an hour later showed his blood-alcohol content at 0.235%, or nearly three times the legal limit of 0.08%, police said.
Lipps’ arrest happened just a week before he was to be inducted into the 2021 Hall of Honor class for the Steelers at Heinz Field.
Because of the arrest, Lipps decided to decline the invitation for the ceremony.
“I understand the significance of my actions this past weekend, and I want to apologize and take responsibility for what occurred,” Lipps said in a statement released Nov. 10 by the Steelers.
He said he did not want to be a distraction to the team or the celebration.
“I am committed to working through the consequences of what transpired and will continue to be an active part of this community and the Steelers’ alumni.”
A first-round pick in 1984, Lipps played for the Steelers until 1991 as a receiver and punt returner. He spent his final season in 1992 with New Orleans.
