Ex-Lion Rogers back in Sobriety Court

Former star receiver fails alcohol test; sent back to therapy

Jennifer Chambers / The Detroit News

Novi -- For the second time in nine months, court officials are using a Sobriety Court program to address former Detroit Lion Charles Rogers' problems with the law.

Novi District Judge Robert Bondy on Thursday placed Rogers into the intensive program after authorities said Rogers violated his bond by testing positive for alcohol.

Rogers pleaded guilty last month to operating while visibly impaired by alcohol. His sentencing had been set for Tuesday.

On Sept. 16, the former Michigan State University star receiver was found slumped over the wheel of his car. Rogers, 28, failed several sobriety tests and was arrested for drunken driving and driving without a valid license. He refused a breathalyzer test but police obtained a warrant and had his blood drawn for testing. Those results are not available until Rogers is sentenced.

According to court records, Rogers had a 0.025 blood alcohol level around 7 a.m. on Oct 28. On Nov. 3, Rogers blew a .031 and then failed to appear for additional testing.

Sobriety Court, given to eligible defendants in lieu of jail, is intensive probation and therapy in which a person must submit to twice daily drug and alcohol testing and undergo group and individual counseling.

If he fails to complete the program, he faces up to 93 days in jail. Rogers' attorney, Matt Savich, was not available for comment.

Rogers, who is from Saginaw, was the second pick overall in the 2003 NFL draft. His NFL career was sidelined by injuries and substance abuse problems.

On Sept. 21, Novi Judge Brian MacKenzie took Rogers' impaired driving plea under advisement and ordered him to have substance abuse testing.

In March, Rogers was sentenced to jail in a domestic assault involving his girlfriend and was sent to Sobriety Court instead of jail.

jchambers@detnews.com (734) 462-2289