updated 5:24 p.m. ET Jan. 6, 2009

PHOENIX - Phoenix Suns guard Jason Richardson apologized Tuesday for creating a “distraction” after being accused of driving under the influence of alcohol.

A citation filed in court says the ex-Michigan State star was stopped by a Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community police officer in the early morning of Dec. 21.

“The only thing I really have to say is, I just want to apologize for the distraction to my teammates, to the Suns organization, especially the fans,” Richardson said after practice Tuesday. “It’s a distraction going on, but I’m just going to let the judicial system take its course.”

Richardson is accused of having a blood alcohol level above 0.08 percent while driving a 2008 Mercedes. He’s also accused of failure to drive in one lane.

Richardson declined to discuss the incident further on the advice of his lawyer, whom he did not identify.

Richardson called the arrest “one stupid mistake I made,” and he said he hopes it doesn’t change the public’s perception of him.

“Everybody who knows me knows I’m a great person, knows I’m a good guy,” he said. “And the things I do in the community — I just hope this doesn’t ruin anything I’ve done in the past.”

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