This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
"Survivor" Winner Skating Under Influence in Santa Monica
Judson Birza, winner of "Survivor: Nicaragua," was arrested yesterday. Birza was riding his skateboard in the middle of the street in Santa Monica when police detained him for a vehicle code violation. The police database showed he had a warrant out for his arrest and a prior DUI "incident." Worse still: Birza was "under the influence of a controlled substance" when officers caught him skating in the street. Have we reached a new celebrity low? Is SUI (skating under the influence) the new DUI? Bail was set at $37,000 and moments after being released, Birza was caught on TMZ cameras hopping into a limo and drinking beer with friends. Classy.