Diana Taurasi reacts to DUI arrest

Phoenix Mercury star Diana Taurasi reacted for the first time publicly to news of her DUI arrest early Thursday morning.

"As part of the Phoenix community and the Mercury it's just something that's embarrassing and unfortunate for my family and for our organization. We'll have some other stuff to say later, but personally it's just a bad situation and I'm gonna have to do some things to make it straight. "

She was reluctant to say more given the on-going legal case.

The team had no comment on the situation only saying that Diana notified them immediately and that they are of course aware of the situation.

At this point, there is no indication that Taurasi will be suspended but that possibility remains should the organization or the league decide to go that route after receiving more information.

Just like when Jason Richardson was arrested (twice) last season, I have consistently never made a big moral issue out of these cases and I am not going to do so now. Of course, driving under the influence is not acceptable for anyone and yet people get busted all the time. I am not going to raise a big fuss when it is someone who is a public figure due to their role in sports. I don't hold sports figures to any different standard of public behavior then I hold anyone else and chances are if you get a DUI I won't be asking you about it and publishing your answer.

In other Mercury news, Coach Gaines said that center Nicole Ohlde is continuing to progress and is now available to play for five minute stretches. He is happy with her performance so far and looks for her to impact the game with her size. Looking forward to Sunday's match in LA against the Sparks, Gaines is anticipating that both Lisa Leslie and Candace Parker will play despite the Sparks saying that they won't.

The Mercury (7-4) are currently tied for first place in the West while the Sparks (3-5) are in 5th. The game is at 6:30 PST and will be broadcast on NBA TV.

[Note by Phoenix Stan, 07/03/09 1:30 PM MST ]

Looks like Parker is going to make her season debut against the Mercury Sunday.