Yankees RHP Chamberlain has December court date

Oct 20, 2008 - 3:52 PM LINCOLN, Nebraska (Ticker) -- New York Yankees righthander Joba Chamberlain is scheduled to appear in court December 17 following his arrest on suspicion of drunken-driving.

Chamberlain was arrested shortly after 1 a.m. Saturday and charged with driving under the influence, speeding and having an open container of alcohol in his vehicle.

Lancaster County Chief Deputy Attorney Joe Kelly told PA SportsTicker on Monday that his office has yet to decide on formal charges against Chamberlain.

The Nebraska State Patrol pulled Chamberlain's car over for speeding on U.S. 77, south of Lincoln, shortly after 1 a.m Saturday. The officer on the scene saw an open container of alcohol on the passenger seat of the BMW 75i and detected an odor of alcohol.

On Sunday, Chamberlain issued an apology for his role in the incident.

"I want to apologize to the New York Yankees and the fans for an error in judgment and for putting myself in a difficult situation," Chamberlain said in a statement released by his agent, Randy Hendricks.

"I intend to properly resolve this situation, and do not intend to be in such a situation again. My goal is to focus on pitching for the Yankees in the 2009 season."

The former Nebraska star was 4-3 with a 2.60 ERA in 42 appearances - 12 starts - for the Yankees in 2008.