Sports agent Leigh Steinberg arrested

Newport Beach-based representative to big-name athletes held on suspicion of drunk driving after allegedly slamming into three parked cars.

Powerhouse sports agent Leigh Steinberg, who provided inspiration for the movie "Jerry Maguire," was arrested early Friday in Newport Beach on suspicion of drunk driving after he slammed his vehicle into three parked cars.

The accident occurred near the Balboa Bay Club about 1 a.m. while Steinberg was driving home on Pacific Coast Highway in his Mercedes ML 500 sport utility vehicle, Newport Beach Police Lt. Craig Fox said.

Steinberg, 58, provided a blood sample that showed him to be intoxicated. He was released on his own recognizance at 7 a.m.

In a statement, Steinberg said, "As I have tried to demonstrate through the years, I have always believed in role-modeling and community responsibility. But last night, I made a serious error in judgment and I am very sorry for my actions."

In 1996, Steinberg was arrested for drunk driving in Newport Beach after rear-ending a vehicle. He ultimately pleaded guilty to that charge and was sentenced to community service.

Steinberg, a Newport Beach resident, has represented a gallery of superstar athletes, including football players Steve Young and Troy Aikman.

The Cameron Crowe picture, starring Tom Cruise as a sports agent who is stricken with a conscience, is more than loosely based on the lifestyle of Steinberg, right down to the contents of his wallet. Steinberg's office-window view of Newport Center can be seen in the movie, and he is credited as a technical consultant.