Eric Ball, the Bengals' director of player relations, left messages for Akili Smith Thursday and Friday, but he hadn't heard from the Bengals quarterback.

        Smith was arrested early Thursday in his hometown of San Diego for investigation of drunken driving. Smith was pulled over for driving the wrong way on a one-way street in the downtown Gaslamp Quarter at about 2 a.m.

        Smith was given a sobriety test and booked into San Diego County jail. He later was released on $1,600 bail.

        Ball, a former Bengals running back, was hired in June for just such matters. His job is to work with players on personal matters and organize players' civic and charitable events.

        There's nothing he can do with Smith yet.

        “We have to wait and find out what happens with the court system,” Ball said. “I want to talk to him and find out his situation.”

        Smith is scheduled to appear in San Diego Superior Court on March 1. There's a chance Smith could face NFL sanctions if he's found guilty or admits guilt.

        “The league could step in and recommend counseling or an evaluation,” Ball said.

        Drunken driving is one of the things Ball talks to players about.

        “We have a program set up here, where if they're out and have too many (drinks), they can call a service that picks them up and has someone drive their cars home,” Ball said. “It was in place last year. I don't know how often it was used, but we didn't have any problems.”

Bengals looking to settle seat suit SULLIVAN: Bengals need Akili insurance Bengals reach out to Smith

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