Charles Barkley

Basketball commentator and former hoops star Charles Barkley was arrested December 31st, 2008 in Scottsdale, Arizona, on suspicion of drunken driving, a police spokesman said.

Charles Barkley was driving an Infiniti SUV through a trendy area of Scottsdale on Wednesday, police say.
Lt. Eric Shuhandler of the Gilbert Police Department said an officer pulled Barkley over after he ran a stop sign in Scottsdale's Old Town area, a trendy spot known for its nightclubs and bars. Gilbert and Scottsdale are in the Phoenix metro area.

"The officer identified the driver of the 2005 Infiniti as Charles Barkley," according to a written statement from police. "Mr. Barkley was administered the standard field sobriety tests after the odor of intoxicating liquor was detected."

At a news conference later in the day, Shuhandler said Barkley's "performance on the field sobriety test revealed there was probable cause to make an arrest."

Barkley declined to take a breath test to measure his blood-alcohol level, Shuhandler said earlier.

"When he arrived at the station, police administered a blood test, which is customary of our police department to do," he said, adding that Barkley consented to the blood test.

It will take "a few days" for the crime lab to test the blood sample and determine Barkley's blood-alcohol level, Shuhandler said.

The former NBA power forward was cited for driving while impaired and released.

"It was a pretty routine arrest," Shuhandler said.

Barkley's sport-utility vehicle was impounded under mandatory vehicle impound laws, police said.

Shuhandler said Barkley behaved professionally during the booking and was "very respectful and cordial with our officers."

Barkley, 45, is now a commentator for TNT's coverage of the NBA. Although he is well known for entertaining comments and cocky attitude, he also compiled an impressive résumé as a professional basketball player.

A Hall of Famer and 11-time All-Star, Barkley is one of four players in history to rack up more than 20,000 points, 10,000 rebounds and 4,000 assists in a career. He also earned the NBA's most valuable player designation in 1993 and brought home gold medals with the U.S. Olympic basketball team in 1992 and 1996.

His commanding performance on the court earned him the nicknames "Sir Charles" and the "Round Mound of Rebound."

Barkley was drafted out of Auburn University in 1984 by the Philadelphia 76ers and played 16 seasons with the Sixers, Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets before he was permanently sidelined in 1999 with a ruptured tendon in his left knee.

Brittney Spears

In October 2008, in the LA County Superior Court, pop star Britney Spears went on trial for a misdemeanor charge of driving in California without a valid California drivers license. She did not attend the trial, and did not present a California drivers license, but still avoided a conviction.

How did that happen? Here is the explanation.

The Facts:

Britneys case began near her well home in Malibu, where she used to reside with former husband Kevin Federline and 2 kids. While driving around Los Angeles to run errands, with photographers chasing, Britney lightly crashed into a parked car in a parking lot.

It is reported that dozens of photographers were following the star at the time, and that there are hundreds of photos of the incident.

When police arrived on the scene to take a routine collision report, they asked Britney to show her California drivers license. She could not produce one.

As a result, she was given a citation for a misdemeanor violation for driving without a valid drivers license.

Despite the fact that did not have a California Drivers License, Britney refused pay the usual fine and plead not guilty. She hired a team of trial lawyers, and demanded a jury trial. And she was able to do it all from home.

Under California law, defendants charged with minor misdemeanors, such as a VC 12500, can have an Attorney make court appearances, present a defense, and conduct a trial for them. Once Britney had an Attorney, they could do all the work for her.

During the trial, which lasted several days, 12 average everyday LA citizens sat in a uncomfortable courtroom, in uncomfortable jury chairs while they listened to mind numbingly boring evidence from police officers and witnesses to the star’s fender bender.

After 2 days of jury deliberations in a closed room in a crowded LA courthouse, the jurors could not agree. They sent a note to the judge stating that they were hopelessly deadlocked, and could not reach a decision.

When a mistrial happens, the prosecutor has the option of refilling the case and starting over. The prosecutor can demand a retrial, and get a second chance at convicting the defendant.

But in Britneys case, prosecutor Michael Amerian confessed he has no intention to push for a retrial. His decision was not based on the fact that Britney was factually innocent, or that she did not live in CA.

Rather, he declined to continue with the case because it was really just a waste of time. He stated: “We put our best foot forward. It just goes to show you how difficult it is to convict a celebrity in Los Angeles.”

With the mistrial and decision to not refile, Britney Spears beat her VC 12500(a) case. She will not have to pay the $200 fine, will not have a misdemeanor conviction, and will not have to spend any time in jail.

In this case, there can be no doubt that Britneys defense Attorneys made the difference. Somehow, they convinced enough jurors there was not enough evidence that Britney actually lived in CA.

Bobby Brown

Career Highlights….Bobby Brown, a Boston native, reached fame with the group New Edition and for his 1988 solo album "Don't be Cruel."

In 2004 and 2005, Brown was also sentenced to jail in Massachusetts for failing to pay child support. In both cases he paid up.

February 2007 - Bobby Brown, who was arrested and jailed in Massachusetts for failing to appear in court and pay child support fines, will remain behind bars until he pays $19,150, a judge ruled Monday. Brown, 40, owes suport to his former girlfriend Kim Ward, who lives in Massachusetts and with whom he has two teenage children: LaPrincia and Bobby III.

September 2007 - after a series of domestic disputes and drug-related problems, Houston filed for a divorce from Brown after 14 years of marriage.

October 2007 - an arrest warrant was issued for the 38-year-old Grammy winner after he failed to show up at a hearing on overdue child support payments to Kim Ward, the mother of two of his children.

January 2008 - he attempted a comeback as the star of his own television show, "Being Bobby Brown," but the show was canceled after Houston stopped appearing.

February 2008 - Singer Bobby Brown will not face criminal charges after police said they found a small amount of cocaine in his possession. Brown's attorney said Tuesday a Brockton District Court clerk magistrate found no probable cause to issue a criminal complaint, but recommended that Brown volunteer to mentor young people, which Brown wanted to do anyway. (yeah, that’s who we need mentoring our kids!) Brown agreed to a year's community service and his attorney said if no other issues arise over the next year, the matter will be struck from the docket.

August 2008 - Every little step Bobby Brown takes these days leads him back to court. The erstwhile King of New Jack Swing is being sued by his former divorce attorneys for allegedly failing to pay a $90,217 legal tab covering expenses related to his divorce battle with ex-wife Whitney Houston.

December 2008 – A bench warrant is out for the arrest of Bobby Brown, 33, in Decatur, Ga., after he failed to appear in court earlier this week. Brown was due to face six-year-old charges of driving under the influence and other driving charges, which were discovered after his Nov. 7 arrest on charges of marijuana possession, speeding and having no driver's license or proof of insurance. Brown's attorney, Xavier Dicks, says Brown will turn himself in on Friday.

What will 2009 hold for Mr. Bobby Brown???

Heather Locklear

Heather Locklear was arrested in Montecito, California in September 2008 and booked for suspicion of driving under the influence of prescription medication.

Locklear, 47, was pulled over by California Highway Patrol after a resident reported that she was driving "erratically." Patrol spokesman Tom Marshall told the AP that the responding officer spotted Locklear's car parked on a state highway blocking a lane. "In talking with her, the officer determines that she seems to be under the influence of something," Marshall said.

Locklear was taken into custody, tested for drugs and alcohol, booked and released. In June Locklear entered an Arizona inpatient facility for treatment for anxiety and depression.

Amy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse has been arrested more times than I can count. Can someone be this stupid or is she just THAT strung out?

The selection of Amy's encounters with the law are not only numerous - they are imaginative! Ranging from the video of Amy smoking crack and downing six Valium or the arrest for headbutting one guy and punching another while on a drug-fuelled bender or even if it's being placed under house arrest by your own record label to try to keep you away from drugs and alcohol...she certainly is creative in the messes she makes!

But, that's not all...additionally - the "Rehab" singer was pictured earlier this year wandering a London street barefoot, wearing only jeans and a bra, and appearing disoriented.

Soon after her husband's arrest, Winehouse slurred and stumbled through her gigs and derided her fans, who booed. She later canceled all her concerts for the rest of the year.

Winehouse went to a drug rehab center in the summer, but in October, she and her husband were arrested at a Norwegian hotel for marijuana possession.

Looking at Amy's "career" in the tabloid photos, arrest records and news leaves quite a bad taste in my mouth! Although, I do love that Rehab song!

Ryan and Redmond O'Neal

Actor Ryan O'Neal was arrested on September 17, 2008, for the alleged possession of methamphetamines. O'Neal's son, Redmond, was arrested as well. The drugs were reportedly found during a probation search of the 67-year old actor's Malibu home.

On October 15, 2008, Ryan O'Neal was charged with felony possession of methamphetamines. His son faces the same felony count and two misdemeanors: possession of drug paraphernalia and illegal possession of pepper spray.

Redmond, whose mother is actress Farrah Fawcett, was arrested last year on charges related to carrying heroin and crystal meth while driving under the influence in Malibu. He pleaded not guilty to drug possession and one misdemeanor DUI charge as part of a deal intended to help him avoid jail. He was sentenced to three years’ probation and $1,688 in fines for the DUI charge. In another case from 2005, Redmond O’Neal was placed on probation stemming from an arrest on suspicion of methamphetamine and cocaine possession.

Ryan O’Neal was arrested last year on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and negligent discharge of a firearm after firing a gunshot during an argument with another son, Griffin O’Neal. The actor told authorities that Griffin, 43, had picked up a fireplace poker and started swinging it. Griffin grazed him four or five times and “aimed at my head, I ducked, he hit his own girlfriend in the head,” Ryan O’Neal said at the time. The actor said he fired a warning shot intended to scare his son. Both defendants are scheduled to be arraigned Nov. 13 in Malibu.

Courtney Love

Whether she's getting arrested for hitting a fan with a microphone, OD'ing, losing custody of her child or, getting pushed down the street in a shopping cart, Courtney Love has been called "the most controversial woman in the history of rock" by Rolling Stone Magazine and I can't object.

In 1992, unknowingly carrying Kurt Cobain's child, Love admitted taking heroin and other drugs. This led to media questioning whether Frances was born addicted to drugs. Several specialists deemed the pair unsuitable parents, and Cobain and Love fought for custody of their daughter. After several months, both were granted full custody. Since 1996, Love has faced numerous legal disputes, trials and jail terms.

Pink

In February, Pink announced that she and her motocross hubby Carey Hart were separating after two years of marriage. Fortunately, she didn't disappear...

The former pop star was seen driving a riding mower down Sunset Blvd in Los Angeles back in August of 2008 with messy hair and mismatched pajamas; shortly afterwards she was arrested by police and put in protective custody.

As summer wound down, the "So What" singer stormed the top of the charts with her biggest hit to date, a wild music video, and "Funhouse," the most personal, provocative, and poptastic album of the year.

At least she keep surprising us!

Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr.'s career has been on the upswing ever since he kicked his nasty habits back in 2001, but 2008 couldn't have been any kinder to the 43-year-old hottie. With "Iron Man" pulling in over $580 million, a potential Oscar nom for his hilarious turn in "Tropic Thunder," and the lead in the upcoming "Sherlock Holmes" flick, the former felon is now Hollywood's most wanted man.

Lillo Brancato

Lillo Brancato, who played Matt Bevilaqua on "The Sopranos," was acquitted of second degree murder on December 22nd, 2008 in the 2005 shooting of an off-duty police officer. Brancato was convicted on a lesser charge of attempted burglary. He faces a minimum of three years -- but since he's been in jail for nearly that long already, he could get credit for time served. Brancato's accomplice, Steven Armento, was convicted earlier this year of first-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Gotta Love Those Jersey Girls

Ok, so I may be partial to this mugshot, after all this girl if from New Jersey! (as am I) Swaying away from my "Famous" theme on this blog for this post, I just had to give this nameless girl her 15 minutes of fame, I think she earned it. And, here she is - doing NJ proud!

Apparently she got kicked out of a Jersey Shore bar (notice we don't refer to the area where the sand meets the ocean as "the Beach" - it's "The Shore" and will always be "The Shore"). So anyway - while being removed from the bar she apparently kicked, punched and bit some local cops...hence this wonderful booking photo!

The Queen of Mean

The "Queen of Mean" as she was known, hotel magnate Leona Helmsley pleaded not guilty in Manhattan federal court to income tax evasions charges. She was convicted in 1989 of federal invome tax evasion and other crimes and spent about 18 months behind bars and two more months under house arrest even though her initial sentence was for 16 years.

Helmsley was a billionaire New York City hotel operator and real estate investor.

When Leona Helmsley died from congestive heart failure at the age of 87, on August 20, 2007 in Greenwich, Connecticut, she left more than $4 billion — to the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust.

What caught most people's attention was that she also left her Maltese, Trouble, a $12 million trust fund. Which was reduced by the trust to $2 million less than a year later.

Controlling people and situations was something Helmsley tried to do even from the grave. In her will she left two of her grandchildren $5 million in trust and $5 million outright, under her condition that they visit their father's gave site once each calendar year. Her other two grandchildren, received nothing apparently because they failed to name any of their children after her late husband.

Ah, the love of, well I was going to say family - but, in this case, I think it's the love of MONEY!

PS - Don't worry about 9-year-old Trouble - he lives in Florida with Carl Lekic, the general manager of the Helmsley Sandcastle Hotel, and that $2 million would pay for the dog's maintenance for more than 10 years - the annual $100,000 for full-time security, $8,000 for grooming and $1,200 for food. Lekic is paid a $60,000 annual guardian fee.

Oh, by the way....In addition to $12 million Leona Helmsley left to her pet, she left instructions that her trust, now valued at $5 to $8 billion, be used to benefit dogs. The trust is not legally bound to these wishes, however. Damn, they found a way to control you and your wishes, Leona - in death!

What Happens in Vegas...Stays in Vegas

To have gone from celebrity football player, to tv commercial star, to inmate was probably not in OJ's life plan. However, justice was served in this case, as far as I'm concerned, and you can read as much as you like into that.

Although OJ was not convicted of the murder of his ex-wife and her friend, he was found guilty of stealing his stuff back in Vegas.

OJ will finally do some time - Maybe this will show other narcissistic celebrities and "normal" people that they can't get away with MURDER.