Tales of addiction

Two items today involving well-known figures and the battle against addiction. From City News Service:

Sports agent Leigh Steinberg, the inspiration for the title character in “Jerry Maguire,” was arrested in Newport Beach for public intoxication, police confirmed today. Steinberg, 59, was taken into custody about 7:45 p.m. Oct. 22 in the 400 block of E. Pacific Coast Highway, said Newport Beach Police Sgt. Evan Sailor. Steinberg, who has acknowledged a struggle with alcohol dependence, was released on his own recognizance after being given a Dec. 8 court date. It was not immediately clear if charges had been filed.

And this from The Times' Richard Winton:

 

Actress Mackenzie Phillips pleaded guilty today to a felony narcotics charge and was placed in a drug diversion program following her August arrest at LAX for possession of cocaine and heroin. Phillips entered her plea at the Airport Courthouse with her attorney, Blair Berk, in advance of next week's scheduled arraignment. The "One Day at a Time" actress was charged Sept. 3 with two felony counts -- possession of cocaine and possession of heroin -- and one misdemeanor count of unauthorized possession of a hypodermic needle or syringe. She was arrested Aug. 23 by airport police after the narcotics were discovered in her luggage.

-- Shelby Grad

Photo: Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times