England's Wayne Rooney Given Two-Year Ban for Drunk Driving

English soccer player Wayne Rooney has been banned from driving for two years and ordered to perform 100 hours of unpaid community work after pleading guilty to drunk-driving.

RELATED:
Baseball Fans Unfurl 'Racism Is As American As Baseball' Banner at Boston Stadium

The Everton striker apologized for an "unforgivable lack of judgment" following his sentencing by a court in northern England for being nearly three times over the legal drinking limit while his pregnant wife and their three sons were on holiday.

He was stopped by police while driving a woman's black Volkswagen Beetle on Sept.1 and later arrested and given bail.

Stockport Magistrates' Court was told a breathalyzer test showed Rooney's alcohol level was 104 micrograms in 100 milliliters of breath.

The limit in England and Wales is 35 micrograms per 100 milliliters of breath.

His legal team asked the judge to consider not imposing a community order because of his ongoing charitable work but the judge said he was "not convinced" that imposing a large fine "would have the same effect."

Rooney, who rejoined Everton FC after 13 trophy-laden years at Manchester United in July, tweeted an apology to his 16.4 million followers.

"Following today's court hearing I want to publicly to apologize for my unforgivable lack of judgment in driving while over the legal limit. It was completely wrong," Rooney said in a statement.

Earlier, Rooney entered court in a dark blue suit and black tie and sat in the public gallery next to his agent Paul Stretford.

When asked how he pleaded to the charge that he drove under the influence of alcohol while over the prescribed limit, he replied guilty.

Everton manager Ronald Koeman said earlier this month the matter would be dealt with internally, adding that he was "disappointed" by the drunk-driving charge.