Raptors centre Jonas Valanciunas was arrested early Monday morning in Wasaga Beach and charged with drunk driving.

According to an OPP release, open beer bottles were spotted in Valanciunas’ vehicle as he went through a drive-thru at 2:30 a.m. Police tracked the vehicle. After investigation, Valanciunas was placed under arrest, charged with “Exceed 80 mgs.” It’s not clear who, if anyone else, was with him.

The team was in the midst of a second day off after back-to-back games Friday and Saturday. It’s also not clear why the 21-year-old Lithuanian was in the summer hangout, 130 kilometres north of Toronto, on a dreary spring day.

He is scheduled to appear in court in Collingwood on April 22 — shortly after the beginning of the Raptors’ first-round playoff series.

As news of the arrest broke early Monday evening, Raptors management was also trying to determine what their second-year player was doing so far afield. In the aftermath, the Raptors released a chiding statement.

“We were made aware this morning of the incident involving Jonas Valanciunas and are disappointed he has put himself in this situation,” according to the release. “We take this matter very seriously as we have the highest expectations for all members of this organization.”

This is the first time Valanciunas has ever been in any trouble with the team, or even hinted at such. He is a boisterous and almost puppyish presence in the locker room, despite his imposing verticality. In a statement from Valanciunas, released by the team hot on the heels of their first release, he appeared to admit guilt in a boilerplate statement.

“I hold myself to a high standard and take my role as a member of the Toronto Raptors very seriously. I apologize to the organization, my teammates, my family and my fans, and regret any negativity this incident has brought upon them.”

Beyond the legal and safety implications, this creates turmoil in a locker room that was prepping for its first playoff appearance in six years. The hows and whys will become more clear on Tuesday morning, when Valanciunas will have to face a media onslaught after midday practice.

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