Dontrelle Willis' DUI Downgraded - FanHouse - AOL Sports Blog

While the first two starts for Dontrelle Willis in a Detroit Tigers jersey have been far below expectations for the man who just signed a 3-year $29 million extension with the Tigers this spring, and he's currently on the shelf with a hyper-extended knee, the lefty did get some good news in recent days.

Remember when Dontrelle was busted for a DUI back in 2006? Well, he finally had his day in court and the charge was downgraded from drunken driving to reckless driving.

The former Marlins left-hander was arrested in December 2006 in Miami Beach. Police noticed Willis had double-parked his Bentley and had watery eyes, slurred speech and appeared confused.

Prosecutors on Tuesday said Willis accepted a plea to lesser charges. That means Willis can keep his driver's license. But he must pay $761 in fines and fees, do 50 hours of community service and be on probation for six months.

Not a whole $761! How will Dontrelle ever be able to afford such a hefty fine!? As for the community service, Dontrelle has long been active with different charities, and does stuff for MLB like it's R.B.I. program (MLB's effort to restore baseball in inner cities.) Whether or not that work will count towards his 50 hours of community service, I'm not sure.

All I know is that Dontrelle's lucky he didn't throw a water bottle at anybody, because then he'd be serving hard time.