Abby Wambach Arrested On DUI Charge

On Saturday night, retired World Cup soccer star Abby Wambach was charged with driving under the influence in Portland, Oregon. According to the Associated Press, she was stopped by police after she reportedly ran a red light while driving her Range Rover. The 35-year-old failed sobriety tests, according reporting officer, Sgt. Peter Simpson. He said Wambach subsequently allegedly failed a breathalyzer test at the police precinct. She was booked into Multnomah County Jail early Sunday, though the jail's booking records show she was released Sunday on her own recognizance. She was charged with misdemeanor DUII, or driving under the influence of intoxicants.

Oregon DUI laws state that the legal limit is .08 percent on a breathalyzer test, which is the same as many states across the nation. The penalty for driving above the legal limit of intoxication is a one-year license suspension for the first offense, as well as $1,000 to $2,000 in fines. There is also possible jail time, anywhere from two days to a full year. The second and third offenses increase the fines up to $10,000, and the license suspension increases to three years on the second offense, and a permanent loss of license on the third offense. This is Wambach's first offense.

Wambach is the leading career scorer in international soccer with 184 goals throughout her career, holding the highest record for both men and women. She announced her retirement in October, and retired in December after 15 years playing for the U.S. Women's National Team and participation in four World Cups.

Her career famously concluded with a win of 5-2 against Japan at the 2015 World Cup in Canada. It was the third World Cup title for the U.S. women, and the first since 1999. Her last official game was played in New Orleans with the U.S. Women's National Team in December, where they lost 1-0 to China.

Since her retirement, Wambach has contributed to charities, like the Juvenile Diabetes Association, Right to Play, and the Epilepsy Foundation, making several appearances in charity events. She also campaigned for former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's presidential run. Wambach has actively fought for equal rights for female athletes, at one time even leading a group of players in protesting FIFA's decision to play the 2015 World Cup on artificial turf, which many players consider inferior to grass. This DUI charge comes in the wake of a suit filed by the U.S. Women's National Team against the United States Soccer Federation for better pay and playing conditions — a perspective Wambach took seriously throughout her career.

Editor's Note: This article has been updated from its original version.