Y. athlete in trouble with the law again

PROVO — For the second time since February, BYU running back Fahu Tahi has run into trouble with the law.

Tahi spent several hours in jail Wednesday after being arrested for investigation of driving under the influence.

Tahi allegedly drove his car into two parked cars at 616 N. University Ave.

Police arrested Tahi at 2:20 a.m., and he was taken to the Utah Valley Regional Medical Center to be treated for facial cuts. Then he was booked into the Utah County Jail and released at 7:20 a.m.

Mike Mower, Provo city spokesman, said it appears alcohol was not a contributing factor. Mower said a blood sample was drawn, but the results have not been returned.

Tahi has been taking medication prescribed by a doctor, according to Jeff Reynolds, a BYU football team spokesman.

"He shouldn't have been driving on that medication," Reynolds said.

Sources close to Tahi's family say Tahi took a sleeping pill on an empty stomach and that he was on his way to a convenience store to get something to eat when the incident occurred. Tahi was headed south on University Avenue when he veered to the left. His car jumped a curb and hit two parked cars in a driveway of a residence.

"I'm aware of the situation, as well as to the circumstances pertaining to the incident," BYU football coach Gary Crowton said in a statement. "I have talked to Fahu, and we are working closely with the Honor Code Office as they review the situation."

Prior to Wednesday's arrest, Tahi was already embroiled in legal problems.

On Feb. 12, he allegedly punched Michael Riffle, a Utah Valley State College student, outside a Provo movie theater. Last week, Tahi pleaded not guilty to class A misdemeanor assault charges. A trial date is set for June 12.

In connection with that incident, Crowton suspended Tahi for one game this fall.

Now, Tahi, who returned from an LDS mission last fall and is getting married today, could face a longer suspension.

---

Contributing: Sharon Haddock, Dick Harmon

E-MAIL: jeffc@desnews.com