Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Louis Lipps will not attend his induction into the Steelers’ Hall of Honor this weekend, he said in a statement provided by the team on Wednesday.
Lipps was charged with DUI last weekend after an incident in Mt. Washington last weekend and said he did not with to be a distraction to the proceedings.
“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.”
Lipps was set to be honored as part of the team’s Hall of Honor Class of 2021, along with Tunch Ilkin, Jon Kolb and Tunch Ilkin. The Class of 2020 will also be recognized after the COVID-19 pandemic prevented them from gathering last year.
Lipps, 59, was arrested on Saturday night after his truck struck a parked vehicle on Ruth Street in Mt. Washington, police allege. He was arraigned on Sunday and released without bail. A preliminary hearing in his case is scheduled for Nov. 22.
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.