Im glad he is manning up to his actions. I wish him the best

This is exactly what I believed he would do. No one will be harder on him then himself.
Those who continue to throw stones are usually the ones that have the most to hide. Lofa owned it, I still think he's awesome & I too wish him the best.

This makes two off-season arrests for the Seahawks. Unacceptable.

Lofa da man!

If you have ever gotten the stink eye from family and friends you know what he is going through. It is a humbling experience. I'm looking forward to seeing him rise above this.

he is fine

its lofa nothing to worry about

who hasn't drank and drove atleast once

ME!!

Yah. Count me as someone who hasn't.

He's said the right things. All that's left is to do the right things.

If he was "manning up" for his actions, he would not have waited 5 days to issue an apology. Instead, he's following the "Warren Moon DUI" playbook. Hope it doesn't hit the news, and if it does, hire an attorney with 3 names and start issuing statements.

shut up firejimmora, youre a moron

If anyone can learn from something like this, I believe it's Lofa. He must be mortified and embarrassed (rightfully so) right now. I expect him to get to work and put this behind him forever.

Everyone makes mistakes - it's how you learn from those mistakes that makes the difference.

What professional athlete wouldn't make virtually the same statement after an incident like this? Heck, how many times did Koren Robinson swear he was a changed man?

Tatupu sounds sincere but there have been enough athletes who have cried crocodile tears in public to praise him simply for doing what everyone else has done in this situation. rynehawk hit on on the head: time for him to prove that he meant what he said.

Yeah and only professional athletes get DUI's right? How about all the folk that live their lives everyday without scrutiny yet still manage to flood our system with poor decisions.

We all make mistakes and apparently not only are you all better GM's than those currently employed but you are also morally superior.

The guy made a mistake. Most have done it except you perfect few. Judgement and experience define us. Where we lack in some areas we grow stronger in others. His character to this point should give him the benefit of the doubt in this situation.

I am just amazed how high of standards some of you hold these kids to. If he takes ownership, addresses the issue and does more community outreach then all should be forgiven...Of course with the caveat that he does not do this again.

All of you were born good folk of upstanding moral character that never once has broken a law or made a bad decision. I get it. Jokers.

Actually 'down', this is the process:

1) Commit the crime.
2) Do the time.
3) Be forgiven.

Saying I'm sorry (pre-trial) doesn't cut it. He still needs to do the time.

You're exactly right downinthegroove [what does that mean?]. Drunk driving is a serious crime and it is not a victimless crime. But it is sadly, quite common. While I don't think we should ever downplay the seriousness of it, few among us are right to be so judgemental. I know I have made poor decisions in the past; just I've been lucky enough not ot get caught or, worse, to hurt someone. I don't excuse his actions but I also don't think it is fair of anyone to anonymously criticize an athlete who makes these same mistakes. To learn from the mistake is the most improtant thing. Not all athletes or celebrities do -- obviously. But I think Tatupu is one who will.

And for anyone who thinks such sentiments are reserved for popular players like him, I said the same thing on this board about Koren Robinson as well.

It would have been nice if he "owned" it during his arrest, rather than lying repeatedly. That's not going to play well on judgment day. Wouldn't hurt if he apologized for the lies, come to think of it.

"It would have been nice if he "owned" it during his arrest, rather than lying repeatedly."

-Yes. Because we all know that since he was drunk he should have been acting very sober and taking account of his actions. Perhaps if he was able to do that he would not have been arrested. Hypocrisy?

"Saying I'm sorry (pre-trial) doesn't cut it. He still needs to do the time."

-This crime does not call for time unless you are a repeat offender. The time is that you have to explain this to any future or current employer. For some it is a automatic DQ for any employment. And as I outlined he apologizes, he works to make amends and then he does not repeat. Sounds pretty simple for one you would tab as a pariah.

Good God....If only we lived in glass houses!

downinthegroove=Bob Dylan album. But hey we all can't be enlightened can we? I agree, but it is down played. Every day. It happens all the time. Nothing better than being sent home and receiving your DUI in the mail a few days later.

Not to make light of the story, but WTF is Lofa doing rolling in a Hyundai Accent?

alaskanseahawk - have you seen gas prices these days?!? good lord, it's 'spensive!

By 'doing the time' I meant going thru the legal process, including probation, etc.

in all seriousness, i will wait to see how he atones for his offense. i could say, "wow what a guy he apologized", and i could just as easily say "throw the book at him scumbag oh no".

as far as how many people drink and drive, it's common. the fact is that fewer people catch cabs or crash on friends houses than our blinders would lead us to believe (ever notice how many drink/drive/alcohol limit signs there are around town? TONS). lofa thought he could get away with it, and that was clearly a bad decision on his part.

however, he's a kid, and kids mess up.

i'll say this... and this is just an example (i've never been to court, so, i don't know):

let's say the judge gives him community service... one hundred hours, case closed.

if lofa ends up doing an additional two hundred out of his own sense of responsibility and guilt, then we'll know we don't have koren II on our hands.

ask me again when training camp starts.

He still has to go through the process just like everyone else. He may send a lawyer which is exactly all I would do.

If he was let off then you would have a point. He was arrested. It was made public. He is in the system and has to play by the rules.

You read too much Enquirer.

Oso-what the hell are you talkin about? What repeated lies? Get over yourself, Lofa doesnt owe you ANYTHING!

Were any of the other three guys in the car Seahawks?

"Were any of the other three guys in the car Seahawks? "


A-la when Lamar Smith got his DUI and paralyzed teammate Mike Frier with Chris Warren in the car?

That brings back memories... not good ones, but memories.

Speaking of that incedent with Frier, Smith was driving an Olds Bravada... I would say a 94 Olds Bravada is better than a 2006 Hyundai Accent, but thats just me.... ok, getting wayyyyy off topic

Love how everyone knows the guy. Jeeze people, he and everyone else you know about in entertainment, is a product of PR. How do you know you would like him? How can you say "ah, it's Lofa, he'll learn"? We'll see how it goes, as for vouching for him, cut it out you morons, get a life, you don't know him or any of the other Hawks. I could care less what he does or how he is, just play well and stay out of trouble. Same as at work, I don't give a crap about you, shut up and work.

Moralist sports fans are the worst.

So are elitist judgemental types. Of course you don't work with anyone that is a good guy/gal that made a mistake eh?

Someone that contributes to a community and has never had a hiccup until one isolated incident?

I don't know my elected officials either but I vote for those I consider to be good people and do so out of track record and trust. Am I always right? Nope.

But it beats the hell out of being a know it all egocentric moron that flies off the handle and insults all those that have differing opinions.

"But it beats the hell out of being a know it all egocentric moron that flies off the handle and insults all those that have differing opinions."

Am I the only one enjoying the irony here?

Or perhaps you picked up the point. Now that is investigative reading! Snap!

What gets me is these guys make MILLIONS!!!!!!!!!! If you wanna go out and tie one on fine but get a limo or something. It's not like you can't afford one. Get as FUBAR as you want and have someone drive you home. No problems!! This was stupidity in it's simplest form. All these guys can afford to do it,yet they don't. I don't get it!

This is a sad day for this organization. It scares the crap out of me to read some of the accounts on this board, and the nonchalance given this issue. I started drinking at an exceptionally young age, about 10. I babysat for the town drunk, and didn't know any better. I stopped drinking before entering High School, after losing two friends in a car accident caused by a drunk driver. I've not had a drink since. I have no problem with people drinking responsibly, but under no circumstance should you get behind the wheel of a car if there's even a chance you may be under the influence! My Wife was 14 when she lost her older brother, because he was hit by a drunk driver. Drinking and driving is no different then randomly firing a gun at a mall or at a school. Anything can happen, you never know when you or someone else will lose control. Lofa was someone I held in high regard, I've personally lost all respect for him. To say that he's young and young people make mistakes is a total copout. He's 25, to not drink and drive is a principal that can be understood by kids half his age. There is simply NO excuse. I hope for his sake he's sincere in the words, but in my mind I'll never see him the same.

Trying to cheat the breath test is pretty lame. Read the police report.

I'ts not like he manned up to it at all. He did not show enough brains to know that once you are taken to the station, you are caught and may as well cooperate. You wont get away with trying to beat the breath test like he did.

And being intoxicated is no excuse for lying. People that drink to get buzzed like that don't suddenly start telling lies just because of the booze. Don't be naive.

This isn't such a huge deal, but it sure isn't the "manning up" and showing character some people think it is. This reveals him to have less brains and character than we all thought. Read the police report.

Go Seahawks!

Amen jerrycurl... Its a major disappointment as a fan... and just because its Lofa's 1st DUI, I don't think its by any means the 1st time he has driven home drunk. Its just the first time he has been caught.

I bought a Tatupu jersey for my 4 year old daughter, but now after today's newsbreak, I would not even think of sending her to preschool or out in public in a Tatupu jersey... I got a good 8 months use or so out of it though

You people are jokers. Better than the rest. Apparently the rest of the world does not make mistakes. Hell, why don't you start a show and ask for donations to your tax free organization....

People screw up. It happens. Admitting that is not condoning it. How can you condemn a man for one mistake that he was lucky enough to get out of without hurting anyone?

So now he is a bad person for the rest of his life because of one poor decision he made when he was 25. I guess no one can learn from anything. We all were born perfect.

As for trying to get out of the test, did you read about how well he did? He was drunk. His breathalyzer confirmed as much. If you want to hold him accountable for the resulting lack in decision making for the DUI due to alcohol be a big boy and realize that the process did not stop at deciding to drive.

All these perfect people around here, it's amazing. And your my whatever lost someone to drunk driving is just quibbling. I don't care. We all have stories. This is much more common then you think or admit and the fact that you treat it with such disdain does not make you unique or special.

The man made a mistake. We all have. We all do. Let's give him the chance to atone. If he is high quality he will come out as a role model for many. Your kids can't grow up thinking that if play in the grass you won't get stains. There is a side to everything.

Hey-Dude got paid, had a few, and got caught slippin @ McDee's in an Accent--sounds like the cops shoulda asked for an autograph n let him go!

Seriously- we cant judge. He is a grown man. Plus the facility is moving to Renton. Alot easier taxi services!

U cool #51- just keep your head on your shoulders. I am a fan of Lofa's, and sh*t happens. he'll get past this @training camp.

Big news day here on the blog. thanks Darin and Frank!

"Am I the only one enjoying the irony here?"
You kidding? The line forms to the rear.

Want more?

"So are elitist judgemental types."
This is the same dipstick that called an benign inquirer unenlightened for his ignorance of third-rate Bob Dylan material.

There are gasbags, and then there's groove78.

get over yourself alaska. he made a mistake, yes a very big one, but he is owning up to it. God forbid you ever do anything wrong, and people dont judge you the way you so easily judge others...

Hey what can I say, sometimes you are in love with the ugliest girl in the world.

And actually it should be "a" rather than an but apparently we all walk on water here....

Of course sarcasm only goes so far on a forum and then people internalize everything and suddenly feel the need to pound their chests. Apparently I am a not even a gasbag whatever that means...

Point is and was the guy deserves a chance. Being a holier than thou I know better than you joker is a disservice not only to sports but to fans as well. We all are fallible and make mistakes.

And osoviejo, I don't care what you say or how you say it. I will not let you near my rear.

He should be so embarrassed by this- driving his 2006 Hyundai Accent

OMG!!!!!!

this is amazing, I wonder how much support you guys would give to Alexander if he wwas caught with a DUI (which would never happen) or J. Stevens? The majority of you love lofa so "he is a good guy who has owned up to his mistake." As others have pointed out, he only "owned up" after it became public. Drinking and driving is unacceptable and anything other than at least,a one game suspension will be laughable. He should also see jail time. I liked Lofa too but this changes things. Call somebody or better yet, don't drink.

I would also look up the word benign before I used it...

Snap judgements get us nowhere especially in these situations. If you are now going to destroy any shirts you had bought your kids because of perceived detrimental effects I have a suggestion to you....

Try being a parent and a roll model to your own child. Hell, pay attention to them from time to time. Some day they might appreciate it.

"Try being a parent and a roll model to your own child."

Keep those grammar and spelling tips coming.

"I would also look up the word benign before I used it..."

I hope so, otherwise how would you know what it means?

Okay, I bite.

Shaun A. He would never drink and drive because he is too busy counting money and spending time with his church/cult. Poor example, the guy can't be expected to drink hard if he can't even run hard.

Jerramy Stevens. Are you serious? You really want to mention this guy in the same sentence? He had a record going all the way back to H.S. He is/was the definition of repeat offender. And yes, people gave him the benefit of the doubt. He was a accused sex offender which on my list is a hell of a lot worse than a drunk driver.

And tell me this, if you, (and I know you're perfect but work with me) would you expect this to be in the news for you? How would you react if it were? Oh it wouldn't? Why not? Yeah.

Get a grip. $hit happens. If he can recover and things go well for him for the next ten years publicly and the rest of his life personally then count him as blessed. He is a guy who has been a blue collar work-aholic that has overcome and overachieved. He has shown and proven himself as a person of high character that deserves a chance. If he relapses then dump him, but if he never has another problem then why hold it against him?

You got me. You caught the tater. I should have said role.

BENIGN:
1: of a gentle disposition : gracious 2 a: showing kindness and gentleness b: favorable, wholesome 3 a: of a mild type or character that does not threaten health or life; especially : not becoming cancerous b: having no significant effect : harmless

That's from that goofy Webster guy. Wow.

The guy made a mistake. I defend him and you attack me personally. You should be proud. I just stated my opinion about a very common problem and you attacked me. Hey. I still think people deserve a second chance. He is not a pedophile, he made a common mistake. And you still cannot get anywhere near my rear.

Are you new at this? Rather seems like it.

Here's a quick tip. Make sure you know who said what. I wasn't the one who "benignly" inquired about your alias, so therefore I couldn't have been describing myself as benign. See how that works?

Further, the first personal attack here was yours. Which I ignored. Until you took a snotty shot at the guy asking about your alias, then I decided to play.

Lastly, I have never once initiated a discussion critiquing the grammar or spelling of others. But I have been known to finish a few. You invited, I accepted.

If you don't like personal attacks, I suggest you temper the rate at which you're dishing them out.

Down- You might wanna look up the proper spelling of 'judgement' before giving out spelling tips also. You've missed it multiple times on this thread alone.

Glass houses?

Also, Lofa was never a "blue collar" guy. His father was an NFLer as we all know. He was the HS QB. His family paid his way to Maine until he hooked on at USC, which is not a 'blue collar' school by any stretch of the imagination.

"This is a sad day for the orginization"

Oh please, step off the ledge.

He's a 25 year old kid who did what 75% of 25 year old kids do on a friday night.

No, he shouldn't have driven, but there's not a soul on this planet that hasn't made a mistake.

Athletes always get way more crap than they should over these issues, merely because they're in the public eye.

Those of you that make statements like the one above are really a problem in this country.

Lofa is an exceptional young man, and anyone that would try to say otherwise is not only a media-led lemming, but also an incredible hypocrite.

five one 4 LIFE.

I Say throw his ass in Jail! That would make him a perfect role model for anyone who would even think of drinking and driving in the future. Nothing like being reminded that Lofa was in jail for doing the same thing anyone in the future may attempt to do. He has name recognition that would certainly help.

Yeah, let's make an example out of a human being because his name is in the public eye.

After all, the man is nothing more than public property, born to entertain the knuckle dragging masses.

Hey Jegggo, better pick up some band-aids, your knuckles are bloody.

"drunka" tutupu! It's sad! Not saying that none of us have ever made a mistake but, it's huge! This guy is the "poster" boy for the team a captain of the defense, and someone who has been promoting the team to other players. Just when you really thought we had a team that was really building a reputation for having great guys on the team...maybe they should sign Koren Robinson back. Sad day!

I've got .18 BAC right now, and I'm driving. Not to mention typing this in on my cell phone.

Have we found a way to blame Shaun Alexander for this one yet? I'm sure he's not providing proper leadership... now I feel stabbed in the back.

In all this sad news, I am just happy to know that I drive the same year and make of car that a Seahawk star does.

Yes, lots of people make the same mistake. Commonness does not mitigate seriousness.

Sports figures are paid ridiculous amounts of money, mostly beacuse they are in the public eye. If you cash that check, accept the scrutiny that goes with it.

I am willing to give Lofa the opportunity to earn his reputation back, but not naive enough to believe his PR.

If five or ten years from now this incident was an isolated blip on an otherwise spotless record than it will be a non-issue and chalked up as a life-lesson learned. If five or ten years from now Lofa is serving a league suspension for multiple DUIs, or sitting in an addiction treatment program, or in jail than this was the first public account of a downward spiral. From everything I've read and heard about Tatupu, the former scenario is more likely than the latter but we just don't know. The bottom line is that some time will need to pass before we can really judge this man and his actions.

Making a big deal out of nothing!He had two to many drinks in an hour an he blew a .155.The last time I heard the first DUI was 24 hours in jail an a bunch of court costs.Was he stupid for driving, you bet.If I remember correctly you do'nt think about that all ya want is to get home to bed alone or with someone.If in 6 mo's he gets another one then it's time to start thinking about help. There was most likly 20 to 30 other DUI's that night.Lofa's no big deal

Have to say i'm a little surprised by the number of angry and holier than thou posts on here - and not that you need to give a guy a break when he violates the law just b/c he's a seahawk, but this is a seahawks fan site, and the guy in question has been a very solid citizen up until this point, so I'd like to think that people here would give him some benefit of the doubt. But I guess that's not the case.

I've said my two cents in a previous post, but the only thing I'll add to the conversation is that DUI is a crime that cuts across all socioeconomic levels of our society, I was a public defender for 5+ years, and sitting in court each day, I'd see every size and shape of person you can think of charged with DUI's, doesn't make it right (I don't think anyone could logically argue that), but it does mean that it could happen to most anyone. I've never gotten a DUI, but I have friends who have, and I don't look at them differently that I used to. I don't expect athletes to live picture-perfect lives, they're human and make mistakes, just like the rest of us.

Lofa's statement is just fine, and as long as this doesn't happen again, I don't see this as a lingering problem at all.

What is it with fottball players drinking and driving....its a disgrace, I don't care how good a player he is. Leader and role model..... the hawks should sit him for a few games.

no one is implying that they are perfect and dont make mistakes. yes we all make mistakes but some are more severe. I think sexual offenses are worse too but that doesn't siminish how stupiddrunk driving is. it is a little different than cheating on a test or or not paying taxes and other "mistakes" commonly made. and the only difference between Stevens and Tatupu is that Stevens has been caught that many times while this has been tatupus first time being caught (but most likely not his first offense). As some you have said this is something that 75% of 25 year olds do (so sad).

"He had two to many drinks in an hour an he blew a .155."

How did you come to that conclusion? He had too many drinks to drive when he hit an .08...and given his size two more drinks wouldn't have pushed him to a .155. The crime itself is one I believe is ultimately forgivable if the person learns a lesson, but you're making a mistake if you believe he didn't really have too much to drink.

Gee it's too bad Ruskell's going to have to cut Lofa, isn't it? I mean, Ruskell is so damn adamant about everyone on his team being a boy scout, there's no way he can have this type of behavior on his team. What a shame, but sorry Lofa- you can no longer play for Tim Ruskell.

Absurd, huh? Yeah, well, had this happened at USC, guess who wouldn't be a Seahawk right now? That's why Ruskell's over-the-top mandate of only considering choir boys come draft time is insanely stupid. It's a rough game and I don't want 53 hairdressers playing it. Hopefully this wakes Ruskell the f-ck up and shows him that taking a chance on a guy that has "made a mistake" (your description of this infraction) shouldn't automatically get him erased from a draft or free agency board. Stop taking the David Greene's of the world just because he spends time with Jerry's kids, egghead.

hawks4372, very good post. Critical with well thought out, substantial, and topical arguments. Sarcasm was played well. A total lack of trollish douchebaggery, combined with a total lack of ball sniffing homerism. Very nice. Thank you.

All you dickholes that yammer on about "real fans", this guy is one.

well now when all you holier than now types are done walking on water go take a long look in the mirror. he made a mistake nothing more! if it's a one time deal we can look at it as a bump on the way to the hall. if it happens again he needs to go, not my opinion it's ruskell's and allen's.

hawk4372; ruskell has looked at people with a mistake, just not at players with a history of repeatidly making stupid choices. i guess if you want to be another cincy that's ok to take risks on those types.

really people do any of you really believe you are without fault enough to judge Lofa? if you do seek emidiate help from a qualified professional.

Funny how this gets turned into yet another Tim Ruskell bashing session. Ruskell has outright said that he evaluates players' character based on a "pattern of behavior," not one-time incidents.

As for Ruskell's Ruskell's over-the-top mandate: Face it, if he drafted a Randy Moss, he'd be a genius. If he drafted a Lawrence Phillips, he'd be an idiot. The same is true when he drafts "choir boys." (Leroy Hill - genius; David Greene - idiot)

It's great being an armchair GM and having the benefit of hindsight, isn't it?

Well, life goes on but with all the money you guys make you think you would go and rent a limo or hire someone to take you out, but also people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. I will continue to support our Seahawks but i hope you Players read this, we don't want to see you in trouble when your mind should be on the Last game for Coach!!!
so let's get on with the buiness at hand and play Football!!! We wish you the best Coach!Can we say SUPERBOWL?!!!!!!

wow... throw me under the bus with Lofa... I got a DUI back in the day... I was 21 and it was 10 years ago, but all of you should doubt my character and his now. It happens, you think you're good, or you think since your boy says you're good that you must be... it happens. I am not saying its right,