Ex-Rockies star Todd Helton cited for DUI after crash in Tennessee

Former Colorado Rockies star first baseman Todd Helton has entered a residential treatment facility following an incident in Tennessee in which he allegedly crashed his truck while driving under the influence.

Records obtained by 104.3 The Fan show that Helton, 45, was cited, but not arrested, after a single-vehicle crash at approximately 6 p.m. on March 18 in Knox County, Tennessee, roughly 15 miles southeast of Knoxville.

Knox County Sheriff’s officers responding to the crash found paramedics tending to Helton, who had been the only occupant of a Ford F-150 King Ranch truck that hit a steel telephone pole after leaving the roadway.

Helton did not undergo a roadside sobriety test, due to him being transported to a nearby hospital for further evaluation, but officers on the scene reported the smell of alcohol coming from a plastic travel cup in the vehicle.

According to the police report, Helton told officers on the scene that he had taken an Ambien earlier in the afternoon and voluntarily gave blood for testing.

He was cited for misdemeanor driving under the influence but not taken into custody.

In a statement from Helton’s attorney, Stephen Ross Johnson said:

“The Helton family is thankful for the officers and medical professionals who took great care of him. Because of those first responders, he was not seriously injured.

“Todd is currently in a residential treatment program outside of East Tennessee, receiving the care he needs. He realizes there are parts of his behavior that need to change, and he is focused on doing just that. While there has not been a final court decision about his citation, Todd is still taking action.”

Later on Tuesday, the Rockies organization tweeted out a statement regarding Helton that read:

“The Colorado Rockies organization was saddened to hear about Todd Helton’s auto accident in Knoxville, Tenn. Driving under the influence is an offense we take very seriously.

“We are grateful for the first responders who ensured he got the care he needed, and we are further grateful that Todd is seeking treatment in a facility. Todd is family and the Rockies organization will always be here for him, as well as for the entire Helton family.”

In February 2013, ahead of his final season with the Rockies, Helton was arrested in Thornton on suspicion of driving while ability impaired, which he later pleaded guilty to and was sentenced to a year’s probation, a $400 fine, and 24 hours of community service.

Helton spent his entire 17-year MLB career with the Rockies and had his No. 17 jersey retired by the organization in August 2014.

Earlier this year, Helton garnered 16.5 percent of votes in his first time eligible for the Pro Baseball Hall of Fame. During his career, he batted .316 with 2,519 hits, 592 doubles, 369 home runs, 1,406 RBIs, and a .953 OPS.

The runner up in the 1998 National League Rookie of the Year voting, Helton was selected to five consecutive all-star teams from 2000 to 2004, earned four Silver Slugger and three Gold Glove awards, and earned MVP votes on six different occasions.

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.