After being charged with drunken driving and careless driving early Friday morning by Covington, Ky., police, Bengals rookie middle linebacker Rey Maualuga could face an NFL fine of as much as $50,000.
An NFL spokesman said Friday that according to the league's substance abuse program a first offense for an alcohol-related violation, absent aggravating circumstances, is generally a fine of two game checks up to a maximum of $50,000.
*The Cincinnati Enquirer's *web site reported that police say Maualuga was the driver of a car that hit two vehicles and a parking meter about 1:45 a.m.
Under the NFL's conduct policy, a first offense doesn't usually result in a suspension. Maualuga, a second-round pick from USC who started all but the regular-season finale at SAM linebacker, is rehabbing the ankle he broke in the Dec. 27 win over Kansas City. He had 80 tackles, fifth on the team, and led the Bengals with three forced fumbles.
