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Timbers goalkeeper Gleason pleads no contest to DUI charge

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One month after being involved in a car crash while under the influence of alcohol, it appears that Portland Timbers goalkeeper Jake Gleeson will avoid jail time.

Gleeson appeared in court on Wednesday to plead no contest to DUI and reckless driving charges stemming from his October accident in which he rear-ended another driver. The 26 year-old keeper made no statements other than his no contest plea, but did plead guilty to refusing to take a breath test to determine his blood alcohol level at the time of the crash.

Judge William Bruce Shipley entered Gleeson into an alcohol diversion program that will allow the Timbers keeper to avoid jail time upon completion. Should he fail to complete the course, he faces a maximum of one year in jail and a fine of $6,250. Gleeson will also be required to install an interlock device on his vehicle and had to pay $1,140 in court-issued fines before leaving the court.

Teammate Liam Ridgewell was also arrested on a DUI charge the same night after driving to the scene of Gleeson’s accident after the latter called him for assistance. Ridgewell will enter his plea on Dec. 7 at the same court in Lake Oswego.

Gleeson and Ridgewell apologized to fans, their families, the Timbers organization and Major League Soccer in statements after the crash. MLS has stated both players would be assessed by the league’s Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program.

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