Former Louisville basketball star Russ Smith pleads not guilty to DUI, reckless driving

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Former University of Louisville basketball star Russ Smith pleaded not guilty Monday through his attorney on charges including driving under the influence and reckless driving.

Smith was not in Jefferson District Court for the short arraignment hearing in which attorney Steve Romines entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.

Defendants charged with traffic or misdemeanor cases do not have to appear if an attorney is representing them.

Romines asked that prosecutors supply the evidence against Smith by the next court hearing, which is scheduled for Aug. 12.

Smith, 34, is out of jail without a bond.

He was stopped after he made an illegal U-turn near the intersection of Baxter Avenue and Highland Avenue just after midnight June 8, according to a Louisville Metro Police arrest report.

Det. Kyle Willis said he saw a car with plates that expired in 2022. Just before the traffic stop, the officer said the 2018 Maserati turned across several lanes and went onto a crosswalk, according to the report.

The officer claimed he smelled alcohol on Smith's breath, and admitted to drinking "two Bourbon pours neat" before driving.

The arrest report indicates Smith failed a walk and turn test and "swayed" once he was asked to step out of the car. His Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level was a 0.073. The legal limit is 0.08.

Romines, who defended golfer Scottie Scheffler last year when he was arrested, said in a statement that "the evidence, witnesses and surveillance footage will clearly show that Russ did nothing wrong."

Romines said Smith cooperated fully and voluntarily gave two BAC samples.

"Yet, despite the fact that he was below the legal limit both times, he was nonetheless arrested," according to the statement from Romines. "Indeed, why even have a legal limit when the arresting officer simply ignores it? We look forward to litigating this matter in a court of law where his innocence will be proven."

The arrest report claims Smith took a breathalyzer test at the scene and blew a .06 He took another at jail and his level had climbed to .073.

Under state law, a driver can be charged with driving under the influence if the blood-alcohol level is .04 or higher depending on the other facts in the case.

Smith was part of the 2013 Louisville team that won a national title, which was later vacated.

He is also scheduled to play in The Basketball Tournament (TBT) this summer.

TBT is a winner-take-all, $1 million tournament. Most of the teams are formed by alumni of prominent programs across the nation.

Smith is set to play for TheVille, which includes several former UofL stars.

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