Union's C.J. Sapong arrested, charged with DUI and reckless driving

Union forward C.J. Sapong will not play Saturday against Toronto FC after being arrested in Philadelphia early Friday morning and charged with reckless driving and driving under the influence.

The Union issued the following statement in conjunction with Major League Soccer:

Philadelphia Union forward C.J. Sapong was arrested early this morning and charged with reckless driving and driving under the influence. Sapong will undergo an assessment by MLS' Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health ("SABH") Program doctors pursuant to the SABH Policy. He will not be eligible to participate in any competition until that assessment is complete, he is cleared for participation by the SABH Program doctors, and Major League Soccer completes its investigation. 

"We were alerted to the situation this morning and have been in contact with the league office, law enforcement and C.J.'s family," Union technical director Chris Albright said in remarks published with the statement. "Moving forward, we will continue to work together with the league in following the appropriate procedures. We will have further comment once more information is available."

You will note that the official statement made no mention of where Sapong was arrested. I asked the team for clarification and was told by a spokesperson that they were not able to make make any further statement. I verified independently that the arrest was made in the city.

A preliminary arraignment hearing took place Friday evening. Sapong was released on his own recognizance and will face a further hearing on May 11. The DUI charge is noted in the criminal docket as a first offense.