Raptors centre Valanciunas to play Wednesday’s despite drunk driving charges

TORONTO – Toronto Raptors centre Jonas Valanciunas will play in Wednesday’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers, two days after being charged with drunk driving.

Valanciunas was not made available to reporters at Tuesday’s practice but Raptors general manager Masai Ujiri confirmed he will be in the lineup.

The 21-year-old Lithuanian was arrested Monday in Wasaga Beach, Ont., and charged with having more than 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood.

Police say they began investigating after a report that a vehicle went through a drive-thru with open beer bottles visible.

On Monday, Valanciunas said in a release that he apologized to the organization, his teammates, family and fans, adding that he regretted “any negativity this incident has brought upon them.”

Valanciunas is in his second season with the playoff-bound Raptors, and is averaging 11 points and 8.6 rebounds a game.

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