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Rockies Legend Todd Helton Gets Jail Sentence for DUI Conviction

By Brendan Balsamo

Former Colorado Rockies legend Todd Helton is headed to jail for two days for a DUI sentence.
Former Colorado Rockies legend Todd Helton is headed to jail for two days for a DUI sentence. / Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

On March 18, 2019, Colorado Rockies legendary first baseman Todd Helton was involved in a one-car accident in West Knox County, Tennessee. According to the police report, Helton had taken Ambien earlier in the day, and had a cup that smelled like alcohol in his 2019 Ford F-150 pickup when he crashed into a telephone pole.

On Monday, after pleading guilty, Helton was sentenced to two days in jail by a Knoxville judge.

Along with the 48 hours in custody, Helton has been ordered to pay a $250 fine, attend a victim impact panel, serve 11 months and 29 days on probation, and have his license suspended for a year.

This isn't Helton's first offense, as in 2013, he pleaded guilty to driving while impaired as well. Back then, he paid a $400 fine, had his license suspended for a year, and served 24 hours of community service.

Helton had a 17-year playing career with the Rockies, hitting .316 with 369 home runs and 1406 RBI. He had his number retired by the team in August 2014, and is still the only player besides Jackie Robinson to have that honor in Colorado.

It's sad to see a former icon like Helton fall into a deep hole like he has. Now a repeat offender, hopefully he can get some help with his more-than-evident problem.