Bruce Springsteen “smelled strongly of alcohol” and “had glassy eyes” when he was accused of drunk driving last year, according to a report by a park ranger.
But actor Alec Baldwin suspects the rocker known as “The Boss” has been sued for other reasons.
I wonder if Springsteen’s arrest [sic] had something to do with his politics, ” Baldwin wrote on Twitter on Wednesday.
Baldwin cited no evidence for his suspicion – one of many celebrity responses after the normally teeny-tiny Springsteen drew attention for his clash with the law.
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Like Baldwin, Springsteen has long been associated with liberal views and goals. But media reports on the star’s DWI issue – after a motorcycle trip to a New Jersey national park in November – gave no indication that it was more than a case of a park ranger doing his job.
Alec Baldwin can be seen in Hollywood, California April 10, 2014. (Getty Images)
Other celebrity responses suggested there was support for Springsteen to get out over his alleged offense.
“They arrested Bruce Springsteen in New Jersey! This is sacrilegious,” wrote actor Michael Rapaport. ‘Would you like to arrest the Pope in Italy? Free the boss! ‘
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“Absolutely unbelievable,” wrote Springsteen’s E Street bandmate Stevie Van Zandt.
Former federal prosecutor Preet Bharara suggested he would not be able to remain impartial if he were involved in the case.
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“Yes, I am aware of the Springsteen DWI issue,” Bharara wrote, adding later, “I am of course recycled.”
Springsteen, 71, was quoted on Nov. 14 last year at the Gateway National Recreation Area in Sandy Hook, NJ, for drunk driving, reckless driving and drinking alcohol in an enclosed area, according to the National Park Service, the Asbury reported. Park Press.
Bruce Springsteen is on view in New York City, October 23, 2019. (Associated Press)
An NPS ranger identified as RL Hayes reported seeing Springsteen take a shot of tequila, then stepped on what was described as a red-and-silver Triumph motorcycle and start the engine, according to the paper.
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Springsteen had stopped posing for photos with fans when he was offered a shot of booze, the report said.
The ranger told Springsteen that alcohol was prohibited in the park, and the rocker said he took two shots in the 20 minutes prior to his arrest.
The park service said Springsteen was “cooperative throughout the process” after he was detained – although he initially declined to take a breath test, the press reported.
A source later told the paper that Springsteen’s blood alcohol content was falling below what is considered illegal.
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Springsteen is expected to appear in a virtual court in connection with the case, but no date has yet been set, The Associated Press reported.
News of Springsteen’s DWI incident surfaced nearly three months after it occurred. In the intervening weeks, Springsteen performed at the Lincoln Memorial on Jan. 20 following President Joe Biden’s inauguration and appeared in a pre-recorded TV commercial for Jeep that aired during the CBS broadcast of the Super Bowl on Feb. 7.
Jeep removed the ad from YouTube following news of Springsteen’s DWI charges.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.