TAVERNIER, Fla. – A backup quarterback for the University of Miami Hurricanes was arrested early Saturday in Tavernier.
Tucker Beirne was arrested by the Monroe County Sheriff's Office on charges of driving under the influence and cocaine possession.
According to an arrest report, the 19-year-old football player was driving recklessly and failed to maintain a single lane when deputies pulled him over on U.S. Highway 1 near mile marker 92. The deputy who conducted the traffic stop said she could smell a strong odor of alcohol coming from the vehicle, and Beirne's eyes were bloodshot, glassy and watery.
Beirne failed a field sobriety test and was placed under arrest, Deputy Orlando Alvarez wrote in his report.
A breath test showed Bernie's blood-alcohol levels were 0.175 and 0.166 percent, the report said.
"It should be noted while in the DUI room, Beirne fell asleep for a few minutes," Alvarez wrote.
Beirne said he was on his way to Key West when he was pulled over. He admitted to drinking beer and being under the influence, the report said.
During a search of Beirne's belongings, a small plastic bag of cocaine was found in his wallet, the report said.
The redshirt freshman did not play for the Hurricanes last season, but he was a three-year starter for Christopher Columbus High School in Miami. Beirne led the Explorers to a school-record 13 wins as a senior while throwing for 2,357 yards and 28 touchdowns.
Team spokesman Tom Symonds said the team had no comment on Beirne's arrest.