Former Pittsburgh Steeler will not be at Hall of Honor ceremony after crash on Mount Washington

PITTSBURGH — Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Louis Lipps Jr. was arrested on suspicion of DUI after a crash Saturday night on Mount Washington.

According to a criminal complaint, police were dispatched Ruth Street for an accident report just before 11 p.m. The responding officer found Lipps behind the wheel of a 2012 Ram pickup truck. His wife was in the front passenger seat.

The truck had crashed into a trailer in front of a home on Ruth Street, according to police.

The responding officer said when Lipps looked at him, he could see Lipps had “bloodshot, watery and glassy eyes.” The officer said he could “smell signs of an intoxicated beverage coming from [Lipps’] breath.” Lipps was allegedly stuttering and slurring his words while trying to talk to the officer at the scene.

The complaint stated Lipps didn’t know he had hit the trailer when the officer informed him of what allegedly happened. The officer asked him to step out of the truck and performed a field sobriety test. Lipps allegedly “almost fell/stumbled to the ground to the point officers had to catch him from falling over.”

When asked how much he had to drink, the complaint said Lipps responded “A lot.” He was taken to the Zone 6 police station and given a breath test. It yielded a blood alcohol content of .235%. He was taken to the Allegheny County Jail and was charged with two counts of driving under the influence.

Lipps was set to be inducted into the Steelers’ Hall of Honor next weekend before the game against the Detroit Lions at Heinz Field, but will not be attending.

He released the following statement on his decision not to attend the Hall of Honor ceremony this weekend.

“I understand the significance of my actions this past weekend and I want to apologize and take responsibility for what occurred. I have spoken with Art Rooney II and informed him that I will not attend the Steelers’ Hall of Honor ceremonies this weekend,” he explained. “While I am flattered, humbled and honored to be included for recognition along with the other former players who are also deserving of this special weekend, I do not want to be a distraction. I am committed to working through the consequences of what transpired and will continue to be an active part of this community and the Steelers’ alumni.”

Lipps played wide receiver for the Steelers and the New Orleans Saints from 1984 to 1992. In his first season, Lipps broke the NFL record for punt returns yards by a rookie. He was named the league’s Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1984 and was named to the Pro Bowl that year.

He retired as a Steeler in 1993.

“I was in bed so my neighbor next door called me and told me, ‘Edgar, you better go outside because someone hit your truck’,” said Edgar Alvarez.

Alvarez runs a taco business out of the trailer that Lipps’ allegedly hit.

“I feel so bad because I have a few events to do with the truck, and its like what will I do now,” he said.

Alvarez said he talked to Lipps that night. He said he was cooperative and handed over his insurance information.

“The guy was really nice,” Alvarez said.

Steelers appeal decision over proposed sign on Heinz Field seats Steelers appeal decision over proposed sign on Heinz Field seats

©2021 Cox Media Group