Former UofL Basketball player Russ Smith has DUI charge dismissed

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Former University of Louisville basketball standout Russ Smith had a DUI charge dismissed after a judge ruled his blood alcohol level was below the legal limit.

Smith was arrested in June in the Highlands after making an illegal U-turn and driving with expired license plates. Police reported smelling alcohol on his breath, and Smith admitted to having two Bourbon neats.

Tests later confirmed his blood alcohol content was below 0.08, leading Judge Jennifer Liebson to dismiss the DUI charge.

Smith did plead guilty to a separate improper turning charge and was fined $100.

In a post on X Friday, Smith said he was "extremely thankful" the charge was dismissed, but said he lost friends, partnerships, and "a whole summer of life doing what I love nationally and locally for my community."

"In the moment of the viral mug shot, all I could think about was my family and those closest to me," Smith said. "Even the arrest itself didn't feel real. I appreciate everyone who was with me the last six months during easily the most difficult time of my life."

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