WASHINGTON — The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority arrested D.C. United striker Wayne Rooney at Dulles International Airport Dec. 16 for public intoxication and swearing, authorities said Sunday.
MWAA said the 33-year-old was arrested after he triggered an alarm at international arrivals gate. He did not breach security, MWAA said in a news release.
The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia said Rooney was jailed after his arrest on the misdemeanor charge by police. The news release said that Rooney was taken to a jail and held until he sobered up.
Rooney was released on his own recognizance and paid a $25 fine on Jan. 4, according to the Loudoun County’s Sheriff’s Office.
In a statement, D.C. United said the club is aware of the situation.
“We understand the media’s interest in this matter but believe this is a private matter for Wayne that D.C. United will handle internally.”
Rooney, the former England and Manchester United captain, was arrested in September 2017 for driving under the influence in Wilmslow, Cheshire, England. He pleaded guilty, paid a 170-pound fine and was banned from driving for two years. Rooney also agreed to undergo a drink-driving rehab that could reduce the ban.
Rooney played in 20 games with D.C. United this season — 18 starts with 12 goals — and was signed to a designated player contract in June 2018.
When he joined D.C. United, he became the latest in a series of European stars to play for U.S.-based Major League Soccer late in their careers. He helped the team reach the playoffs last year.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
