Iowa's Tucker pleads guilty to public intoxication

Iowa sophomore Anthony Tucker pleaded guilty today to public intoxication, eight days after his arrest.

Tucker, 20, owes $195 in fines and fees. He remains suspended by the Iowa men's basketball team and did not practice this morning. It was the second time he pleaded guilty to an alcohol-related offense.

Iowa City Police officers arrested Tucker, 20, at 2:05 a.m. at 100 Hawk Ridge Drive after a dispute with a taxi cabdriver. According to the police complaint, Tucker accused the cabdriver of taking his cell phone and allegedly was beating on the side of the cab. The cabdriver locked his car doors and called police.

The police report described Tucker with bloodshot, watery eyes, slurred speech and a strong smell of alcohol. Tucker swayed when he spoke and “had trouble forming logical, understandable sentences and repeated himself frequently.” Tucker was taken to the Johnson County Jail and was released around 10:30 a.m. Sunday after posting a $325 bond. He pleaded not guilty.

Athletics department guidelines mandate an automatic suspension for all athletes arrested on a second alcohol-related offense pending a full alcoholism assessment and 30 hours of community service. A third arrest results in a dismissal.