Al Jefferson is regarded as the hard-working, no-nonsense leader of the Timberwolves.

The six-year NBA veteran demonstrated that leadership in a big way Monday, expressing sincere remorse for his DUI arrest early Sunday morning, including an admission that he was “glad” a state highway patrolman pulled him over on Interstate 394 just outside downtown Minneapolis.

“I know now to never do that again,” Jefferson said after Monday’s practice at Target Center. “I didn’t realize the danger I put myself and innocent people (in). I could have hurt myself. I could have hurt someone else. I know I wouldn’t be able to live with that. I’m so upset with myself.”

Jefferson was cited for driving 56 miles per hour in a 40-mph zone on an I-394 entrance ramp as he headed toward his Golden Valley home. The state trooper noticed Jefferson’s car weaving and pulled him over. Jefferson, traveling by himself, took a breath test that revealed a blood-alcohol level of more than .08, the state of Minnesota’s legal limit for driving.

In addition to the misdemeanor arrest, Jefferson had to take a blood test. The results could determine the extent of his penalties. For a first-time conviction, Jefferson is facing up to 90 days in jail, a maximum $1,000 fine or a 180-day driver’s license suspension. Jefferson is scheduled to appear in Hennepin County court on April 23.

An NBA spokesman said that the league is monitoring Jefferson’s situation and that it’s unlikely the league would take additional action because of the two-game suspension imposed by the Wolves. The spokesman said the NBA does not have a specific policy regarding DUI incidents, but he said the league can impose penalties on a player if a team does not take disciplinary action.