Louis Lipps declines invitation to Steelers' Hall of Honor ceremony following DUI arrest

Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Louis Lipps Jr., who was charged with driving under the influence last weekend, will not attend his Hall of Honor induction this weekend at Heinz Field.

Lipps, 59, is among the 2021 class that will be inducted Saturday night and honored during the Steelers’ game Sunday against the Detroit Lions. The other members of the class are Jon Kolb, Carnell Lake and the late Tunch Ilkin.

“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 by the Steelers. “I have spoken with (team president) Art Rooney II and informed him that I will not attend the Steelers’ Hall of Honor ceremonies this weekend.

“While I am flattered, humbled and honored to be included for recognition along with the other former players who are also deserving of this special weekend, I do not want to be a distraction. 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.”

According to city police, Lipps crashed his pickup into a parked trailer on his street in Mt. Washingtonn. Lipps declined to take a field sobriety test, telling police that he would fail if he did. Police said he had trouble speaking and standing.

A breath test taken more than an hour later determined Lipps had a blood alcohol level of 0.235%, which is almost three times the legal limit.

Lipps was taken to the Allegheny County jail. He was arraigned on two misdemeanor DUI charges Sunday morning and released. He has a Nov. 22 preliminary hearing.

In a statement, Rooney II said the Steelers “appreciate Louis’ willingness to take responsibility for what transpired last weekend,” and that the organization “will move forward with Louis’ induction into the Hall of Honor at the appropriate time in the future.”

Lipps played for the Steelers from 1984-91 and he was twice named a team MVP and to the Pro Bowl.

Lipps’ 358 receptions and 6,018 receiving yards rank fifth in team history. He is seventh in receiving touchdowns with 39. He also was one of the NFL’s top punt returners, and his 11.3-yard punt return average remains a franchise record.

“Louis and Rod Woodson, in my mind, are the two greatest punt returners in Steelers history,” Rooney II said in July when the 2021 Hall of Honor class was announced.