Mel Gibson apologizes for DUI arrest

AP ^ | 7/29/06 | SANDY COHEN

[Vision]

Mel Gibson apologizes for DUI arrest

LOS ANGELES - Mel Gibson issued a lengthy statement Saturday apologizing for his drunk driving arrest and saying he has battled alcoholism throughout his life.

Gibson also apologized for what he said were "despicable" statements he made to the deputies who arrested him early Friday morning on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu.

"I acted like a person completely out of control when I was arrested," he said in a statement issued by his publicist. "I disgraced myself and my family with my behavior and for that I am truly sorry. I have battled with the disease of alcoholism for all of my adult life and profoundly regret my horrific relapse."

Publicist Alan Nierob declined to elaborate beyond the statement.

Gibson, 50, was arrested for investigation of driving under the influence of alcohol after deputies stopped his 2006 Lexus LS 430 for speeding. Sheriff's spokesman Steve Whitmore said deputies clocked him doing 87 mph in a 45 mph zone.

A breath test indicated Gibson's blood-alcohol level was 0.12 percent, Whitmore said. The legal limit in California is 0.08 percent.

The actor was released early Friday after posting $5,000 bail.

[SJackson]

If Ted Kennedy behaved this way, you'd never hear about it.

Funny I've see Ted criticized plenty for thing that happened decade ago. And he deserves it.

You may have missed it, but Patrick Kennedy had a similar experience recently. The DUI and favortism by law enforcement part, he didn't abuse the cops, attempt to flee the scene, or engage in presenting his rather despicable fathers views. Check the threads, it's fair to say Freerepublic ripped him a new one.

[SJackson]

Yep. And btw, his other comments were odious too. He "owns" Malibu and would make the arresting officer "pay." Calling a female officer "sugar *its." If Ted Kennedy behaved this way, he'd be universally excoriated on this site.

The Kennedys are a lot of things, in general stupid isn't one of them.

[Pharmboy]

Since he does live in Malibu, Barbara Streisand might be his neighbor and he might have had to go over there to borrow a cup of sugar or something and come face to face with her; in that case his tirade is totally justified (just kidding, but I couldn't resist).

[VRWCtaz]

Alcohol tolerance changes throughout the progression of the alcoholism. Think bell curve. Initially a novice drinker has a very low tolerance and can get "drunk" on a small quantity. (actions "drunk" not BAC) As the consumption continues over time, the now more experienced drinker gains the ability to "hold their liquor." This is the stage where most "social drinkers" are and these people experience relatively few alcohol related problems. Unfortunatly, the alcoholic continues to increase his consumption with a corresponding increase in alcohol related life problems - which he copes with by drinking more alcohol.

Now think of that bell curve again. Our alcoholic is at the very top. However, he now has a new problem to contend with. The abuse his body has endured by such high constant exposure to alcohol has resulted in systemic organ damage which has the ironic effect of lowering his body's ability to process and eliminate the ingested levels of alcohol. The alcoholic is now in the situation where he can actually drink less yet get "drunker" than when he was at his peak. (again, action "drunk" not BAC)

This is a very simplified explanation and doesn't touch on the many other ironies that make up alcoholism.

[veronica]

From NRO...

David Frum's Diary.

"Jul. 30, 2006: Mel's Calling

If a drunken Mel Gibson did indeed call out, "Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world," then there can be only one possible place for a man who believes such things: as the next Secretary General of the United Nations."

:)

[Northern Yankee]

Prayers offered.

Mel... shave, get thee to a confessional booth, and start again!

[Vince Ferrer]

I am jewish with a decidedly unjewish last name. You would probably not be surprised at the hateful antisemitic comments I have heard from people who would never have made such comments if they'd known I was jewish.

I am in a similar situation, I am a Catholic with a Jewish sounding last name. I never hear anti-Semitic remarks, but I do find out occasionally that people thought I was Jewish, so maybe people don't make those kind of remarks about Jews around me. However, many don't know I'm Catholic either, and I can't believe the remarks that I do hear about Catholics.

[sonic109]

Yea , jogging will help.

[Pharmboy]

HA! Maybe THAT'S the position Mel (Mein Kampf) Gibson is trying for...

[Mamzelle]

I have a Church of England last name, and you just wouldn't believe what I've heard Catholics and Jews say about Baptists over my lifetime.

But, then, you wouldn't believe what I've heard Baptists say about Baptists...

Sheesh. What whining. Such tender feet. Sticks and stones...! This is America, and right now we're safe in our respective faiths and grousings and resentments...unless we live in Seattle...?

It'd be interesting to tick up the # of respective posts on Fr about the delicious Gibson discrace, and compare them to the interest shown over the recent terrorist attack in Seattle.

[sonic109]

It's not a disease, it's an acquired habit. The only real treatment is personal will power.
Wrong on both accounts my friend .

[sonic109]

If he's really an alcoholic and he relapsed that night it wouldn't take him very much to get wacked out .
You're right a real alcoholic processes alcohol muchdifferently then a normal person.

[sonic109]

You really dont understand alcoholism then my friend.

[JCEccles]

Indeed. The nectar of the victim grape is sweet, producing a loud full-bodied whine.

[sonic109]

However,I don't subscribe to the belief that it is genetic,
There is strong evidence that there is a genetic link. Most achoholics have achoholics in their familys.

[wtc911]

However, many don't know I'm Catholic either, and I can't believe the remarks that I do hear about Catholics.

------------------------------------------

I remember a book publishing party up near Woodstock where a group of writers (none more than marginally successful) were discussing religion. They were all Jewish Nyers. One said (and I quote) "The only Catholics I respect are Jesuits...because they think."

Later, playing softball I rounded third (his position) and clocked him with a thinly disguised accidental elbow. As I helped him up I apologized and told him "Sorry, I wasn't thinking". Any Catholic in that NY Publishing world hears shit like that all the time.

btw...guess what kind of girl friend he had...

[kstewskis]

I think he did shave...and got more hair on the roof.

My hunch is that he has, or is spening time in the "penalty box" for a spiritual "do over!"

[Howlin]

After eights years of failure one might well wonder why you persist in being irrational in your attempts to reach them.

Who said I was trying to reach them. Mostly I just sit in amazement at their ignornace.

[Howlin]

Petronski said:

Actually, in this context, the polite phrase "mean-spirited" usually substitutes for "bloody-well psychotic."

And I said:

I'm picking up on that.

And you said:

I'm aware you are repeatedly warning others that when talking about another FReeper, FReeper etiquette says one is supposed to ping them. What's up with this?

Are you incapable of understanding we were discussing posters in GENERAL?

But if you insist on having a name, I'll name you as one.

For almost two years I have asked you to NOT post to be because you are a stalker; you have been told my mods NOT to post to me or send me Freepmails.

Yet here you are, posting to me again, even after I have repeatedly told you that you ARE one of the posters here I do not like because of crap you have said to me AND OTHERS in Freepmail.

I'd call that psychotic

[Mamzelle]

re: btw...guess what kind of girl friend he had...)))

Blonde, blue-eyed, and Swedishly tall?