Wally Backman wasn’t the only managerial candidate the Mets interviewed who had a checkered past.
Terry Collins, who will be introduced as the team’s new manager at a press conference at Citi Field today, was arrested for driving under the influence on June 27, 2002, at 2 a.m. in Augusta, Ga., with a blood alcohol level of .18 — more than twice the legal limit.
Collins was in his first year serving as Dodgers minor league field coordinator.
According to a report in the Augusta Chronicle, Collins drew suspicion to himself by driving with a flat tire.
“He just kept driving,” Maj. Richard Weaver said at the time.
After he was pulled over, Collins then stumbled out of his vehicle, police said.
“He was staggering,” Weaver said.
Collins was also charged with operating an unsafe vehicle and driving without a license on his person.
Collins had been in Augusta to watch one of the Dodgers’ minor league affiliates. He was arrested and failed a Breathalyzer test.
After spending 14 hours in jail, Collins posted bond and was sentenced to two years probation, given a $500 fine and had to perform 40 hours of community service, which was transferred to St. Petersburg, Fla.
Collins, 61, chose not to elaborate on the subject last week when he interviewed for the job during the General Managers Meetings in Orlando.
He spent last season as the Mets’ minor league field coordinator before emerging as a possible replacement for the managerial job vacated when Jerry Manuel was let go after last season.
Collins was one of four final candidates for the position, along with Backman, Bob Melvin and Chip Hale. The Mets will be Collins’ third major league managerial job after stints with the Astros and Angels.