Dixon suspends Pitt's Zeigler for DUI charges

PITTSBURGH (AP) — University of Pittsburgh junior swingman Trey Zeigler has been charged with drunken driving after city police said they found him passed out behind the wheel of his Hummer at an intersection early Sunday.

Two misdemeanor driving under the influence charges will be mailed to Zeigler, who must appear in Pittsburgh Municipal Court for a preliminary hearing Feb. 5. Court records don't list an attorney for Zeigler.

"I want to apologize to my family, the University of Pittsburgh, my teammates and coaches and the entire Pittsburgh community. This is not indicative of the kind of person I am, nor the kind of person I want to be,” Zeigler said.

The 21-year-old shooting guard's legal name is Ernest Zeigler III. Zeigler has averaged 6.2 points for the Panthers this season after transferring from Central Michigan where his father was fired as Central Michigan's coach.

Pittsburgh police were called to an intersection in the city's Oakland section, where the university is located, shortly after 3 a.m. Sunday. A cab driver told police he saw Zeigler passed out behind the wheel when he picked up a group of people about 2:50 a.m. and called police when he returned to the intersection about 15 minutes later and saw Zeigler still passed out in the vehicle, according to a criminal complaint.

Police identified Zeigler from his Michigan driver's license and said he failed field sobriety tests after they woke up Zeigler and had him checked out by paramedics.

Ziegler was handcuffed after a breath test showed his blood-alcohol content was 0.129 percent, more than the state's legal 0.08 percent limit for drivers. Zeigler also vomited in a police holding cell toilet before officers were able to contact his parents, who came and picked him up shortly after 5 a.m. Sunday, the complaint said.

It is routine for drunken driving suspects to be released to family members or other responsible parties.

Zeigler's vehicle was towed and impounded, police said.

"The incident involving Trey Zeigler is not only surprising, but incredibly disappointing. Although I believe it was out of character for Trey, he has been immediately suspended until further notice. Trey has expressed his deep regret to me and understands and respects the importance of accountability for one's actions," Coach Jamie Dixon said.

Zeigler was able to play for Pitt this season because the NCAA granted him a special transfer waiver in light of his father's firing in March.

WPXI