One of the difficult things about being a professional athlete is that you are often expected to display a higher standard of behavior than the average person. As a society, we look up to athletes as role models and many expect impeccable behavior of them. Some would argue that athletes are treated to leniently. What can't be argued with is that athletes are human like the rest of us and get caught in less than ideal situations, just like anybody else.

Raheem Brock, defensive end for the Seattle Seahawks, has reportedly been charged with drunk driving. The charges were apparently filed on Tuesday over a year after the incident, which occurred last November.

Brock's arrest by a University of Washington officer reportedly occurred in the early morning hours on Northeast 45th Street off Interstate 5. The officer pulled the athlete over after he saw his vehicle travelling erratically between lanes at a speed of up to 90 mph.

The officer reported that Brock smelled like alcohol at the time of his arrest and had red, watery eyes, and called the State Patrol regarding a potential DUI.

During the stop, Brock apparently told the officer he was travelling to Bellvue, that he was new to the area and that he was following his navigation system. He admitted to having a couple drinks before a preliminary breath test showed he had a blood alcohol level of .133. Later breath samples showed readings of .115 and .111.

One of the interesting aspects of the story is that Brock was reported to have said to the officer during the stop, "You guys don't take care of your athletes out here?" Brock-who used to play for the Eagles-then explained that officers "out east, Chicago, New Jersey and Philadelphia" usually just follow him home or give him a ride when he is pulled over. That statement is sure to cause some discussion among our readers.

The charges were late in coming because the state trooper's report was misplaced prior to the filing of the charges. Brock is scheduled to appear for arraignment on December 21.

Source: Seattle Post Intelligencer, "Seahawk Brock charged with drunk driving," Levi Pulkkinen, December 7, 2011.