Danny Duffy, Kansas City Royals Pitcher, Pleads Guilty To DUI

OVERLAND PARK, MO — Kansas City Royals pitcher Danny Duffy must spend a year on probation after he pleaded guilty to a DUI charge, officials said. Duffy entered the plea last week and must pay $1,220 in fines and court fees, Sean Reilly, a spokesman for the city of Overland Park, said on Tuesday.

Duffy must report to a probation officer every month and refrain from using drugs or drinking alcohol. He will take random breath, urine or blood tests.

Mike Swanson, a spokesman for the Royals, said the plea is between Duffy, his representatives and the city.

In August, police stopped and cited Duffy in a the drive-through lane of a Burger King restaurant located at 137th Street and Metcalf Avenue in Overland Park. Click here to watch video taken at the restaurant.

He had returned to Kansas City during a road trip for an exam on the elbow of his pitching arm. The left-hander underwent surgery in October and is expected to be ready for spring training next month.

Duffy went 9-10 with a 3.81 ERA over 24 starts in the first season of a five-year, $65 million contract extension. He struck out 130 while issuing just 41 walks, and was expected to be the ace of a rebuilt starting rotation.

Photo credit: Charlie Riedel/Associated Press