Seattle Sounders midfielder Marco Pappa was arrested early Sunday for driving under the influence and speeding, the team announced Monday.
The Guatemalan international will be assessed by MLS Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health program doctors and will not suit up for the Sounders until cleared by those doctors.
Violations of the SABH policy fall into two categories, according to MLS bylaws, with some requiring players enter a treatment phase and others proceeding without that step.
"SABH Program Professionals, in their sole and absolute discretion shall determine if a violation of the SABH Policy requires entrance in the treatment phase of the SABH Program," the league constitution reads. "If a Player is entered into the treatment phase of the SABH Program, all treatment decisions will be determined by the SABH Program Professionals, in their sole and absolute discretion."
At the very least, Pappa is unlikely to be available for the Sounders contest against Montreal this weekend and could face further sanctions. Currently, though, Pappa's status is unknown.
“We are gathering information on this matter and have been in contact with the league office, the MLS Players Union, local law enforcement and Marco directly,” Sounders General Manager Garth Lagerwey said in a statement. “We will continue to work in cooperation with all involved parties and will have no further comment until more information is available.”
