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Friday, October 4
 
Janikowski to kick against Bills despite charges

By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

A spokesman for the California Highway Patrol confirmed that Oakland Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski was arrested Wednesday for suspicion of drunken driving and on Friday was charged with two counts of driving under the influence.

Police told the Associated Press that Janikowski's blood-alcohol level registered 0.20, more than twice the legal limit.

Janikowski

"I'm not allowed to talk about it, and my focus is on the Buffalo Bills,'' Janikowski said Friday at the team's Alameda headquarters, before the Raiders (3-0) left for Buffalo, N.Y., where they play the Bills on Sunday.

Alameda County Deputy District Attorney Ann Kenfield told AP she was charging him with two counts of driving under the influence with an enhancement since his blood alcohol level was 0.20. At the very least, he will undergo alcohol education programs, but could face a maximum of six months in jail, Kenfield said. He is scheduled to be arraigned Nov. 4.

Coach Bill Callahan said Janikowski would kick in Sunday's game and called the situation "a very unfortunate incident for this young man.''

"My initial thought and reaction to this arrest is that I just thank God no one was injured and no physical harm came to any person or to Sebastian himself. It's my hope and contention that `Seabass' and all of us can learn from this situation and further improve ourselves.

"Sebastian has assured me that he's going to take every necessary step to deal with this issue. Aside from that, the legal system and the National Football League will additionally deal with this matter on a personal level.''

The third-year veteran was stopped for speeding in his red 2001 Mercedes on Interstate 580 in East Oakland. He was subsequently administered a field sobriety test after police smelled alcohol.

Janikowski, 24, could be subject to fine or suspension if he is already in the NFL's substance abuse program. Because of confidentiality guidelines, it is not certain if the former Florida State star is in the program. There were two incidents during his college career and one last year, when he received five stitches after falling and hitting his head on a dance floor in San Francisco, that might have qualified Janikowski for phase one of the league program.

The team's first-round choice in the 2000 draft, Janikowki scored more than 100 points in his first two professional seasons, and he is in pace again to top that benchmark. Janikowski has converted five of six field goal attempts this season and all 14 of his extra point tries.

For his career, Janikowski is 50-for-66 on field goals and has made all 102 extra points he has attempted.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior writer for ESPN.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report.






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