Tony La Russa charged with DUI

New White Sox manager Tony La Russa has been charged with driving under the influence in the Phoenix area.

According to the Maricopa County Justice Courts website, the arrest occurred in February, but charges were filed Oct. 28, one day before La Russa’s hiring was announced by the White Sox.

There is no attorney listed for La Russa.

White Sox spokesman Scott Reifert said the team was aware of the arrest when the 76-year-old Tampa native was hired. “Because this is an active case, we cannot comment further at this time,” Reifert said Monday night in an email.

Reached by ESPN on Monday night, La Russa said, “I have nothing to say,” and hung up.

If convicted, he could face up to 10 days in jail.

An affidavit filed by the Arizona Department of Public Safety described La Russa as "argumentative.''

La Russa pleaded guilty to driving under the influence near Jupiter in 2007 after police found him asleep inside his running sport utility vehicle at a stop light and smelling of alcohol. “I accept full responsibility for my conduct, and assure everyone that I have learned a very valuable lesson and that this will never occur again,” La Russa said then.