In this July 12, 2012 file photo, Jason Kidd speaks during a news conference at the New York Knicks training facility in Tarrytown, N.Y., after signing with the Knicks. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens, File)
Jason Kidd, who signed with the New York Knicks’ four days ago, was arrested for drunken driving after he crashed his SUV in Water Mill early Sunday morning, Southampton Town Police said.
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The 39-year-old NBA star was driving alone in his Cadillac Escalade when he struck a utility pole at the corner of Cobb Road and Little Cobb Road shortly before 2 a.m., police said.
Officers responded to a 911 call of a truck in the woods and upon arrival to the scene, they found Kidd to be under the influence of alcohol, police said.
Kidd was taken to Southampton Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. After being released, he was charged with driving while intoxicated and processed at Southampton police headquarters.
He was arraigned at Southampton Town Justice Court, where a judge ordered him released without bail. It is not clear when he is due back in court.
He is reportedly represented by Sag Harbor-based attorney Eddie Burke Jr., who told Southampton Patch he is waiting to see evidence from the prosecution.
There was no immediate comment from Kidd’s agent or the Knicks.
Kidd had attended an event thrown by The Compound Foundation honoring director George Lucas in East Hampton on Saturday night. He posted on Twitter a happy photo of himself and his wife, Porschla Coleman, a former model, about four hours before the alleged DWI crash.
The Knicks had introduced Kidd on Thursday after signing a three-year, $9-million contract with the free agent who previously played for the Dallas Mavericks.
The point guard — a two-time Olympic gold medalist is second on the NBA’s career list in assists and steals — recently touted plans to mentor breakout star Jeremy Lin, although the Knicks have until Tuesday to decide if they want to match a three-year, $25 million deal offered to Lin by the Houston Rockets.
It isn’t Kidd’s first arrest. He pleaded guilty to a January 2001 domestic abuse charge against his ex-wife, Joumana, while playing for the Phoenix Suns. The couple divorced in 2007.
