Lions president Tom Lewand arrested on DUI charges, apologizes

Action News has learned Lions president Tom Lewand was arrested on DUI charges and released in Roscommon County Friday night.

The arrest was confirmed by Lions officials, who released the following statement from Lewand.

"I am deeply sorry for my actions and take full responsibility for them.  As a person in active recovery, I am committed to taking all necessary steps to ensure nothing like this ever happens again."

The Roscommon County sherriff's office refused to comment on the issue when reached Saturday night and Lions officials did not offer specific details.

The Detroit News reported Lewand was attending a charity golf event this weekend in Houghton Lake, MI.

Lewand assumed the role of team president December 29, 2008 after serving in an interim role after Matt Millen was fired.  He is entering his 16th season with the Lions.

Among other duties, Lewand is charged with handling contract negotiations with players and handling the Lions salary cap. 

He oversees all day-to-day business operations of both the Detroit Lions and Ford Field entities.  According to the Lions 2009 Media Guide, this includes the management of finance, football adminisration, player development, security, eqiupment operations, medical staff, ticketing, sales and marketing, public/media relations, broadcasting, human resources, Ford Field operations and administration, acquisition of events and the development of Ford Field's lease space in the stadium's progression as a multi-use facility.