Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Louis Lipps waived his right to a preliminary hearing in court on Monday after being charged with driving under the influence earlier this month.
Lipps, 59 was arrested on Nov. 7 for allegedly driving into a parked vehicle on Ruth Street in Mt. Washington.
According to court documents, Lipps has been charged with DUI resulting from a blood alcohol level of over .16. The legal limit in Pennsylvania is .08. A formal arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 14.
As a result of his arrest, Lipps did not attend the Steelers’ Hall of Honor induction ceremony at Heinz Field last week. Lipps had been scheduled to be honored as part of the Class of 2021.
“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 provided by the team. “I have spoken with 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.”
A New Orleans, Louisiana native, Lipps joined the Steelers as the team’s first-round draft pick out of Southern Mississippi in 1984 and spent eight seasons with the team. He finished his career in 1992 with 359 catches for 6,019 yards and 39 touchdowns, which are seventh all-time in Steelers history. Lipps also holds the Steelers record for career punt return average at 11.3 yards.