The Atlanta Journal-Constitution 
 
 Braves starting pitcher Derek Lowe, who allegedly raced another driver down Peachtree Road in Buckhead Thursday night before being stopped and charged with driving under the influence, has apologized in a statement released by the Braves. 
 
 "I would like to apologize to my family, teammates, fans and the Braves organization for the attention arising from this matter, however I am hopeful that this incident will not be a distraction to the Braves organization while we are focused on returning to the playoffs," the 37-year old pitcher said. "This is a legal matter and I anticipate this case can promptly be resolved within the court system." 
 
 Lowe, who was driving a 2011 Porsche Panamera, was also charged with reckless driving and making an improper lane change. 
 
 Georgia State Patrol spokesman Gordy Wright said Lowe was pulled over around 10 p.m. Thursday on Peachtree Road at Rumson Road after troopers spotted the racing cars. Wright had no information on the second driver, who he said was charged with reckless driving. 
 
 The trooper "detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage" and gave Lowe a field sobriety test, Wright said. The Michigan native refused to take a breathalyzer test, he said. 
 
 Lowe, who signed a 4-year, $60 million contract with the Braves prior to the 2009 season, was taken to Atlanta city jail. In a statement, the Braves said, "Obviously we are concerned and disappointed about the events involving Derek Lowe overnight." 

 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution 
 
 Atlanta Braves pitching coach Roger McDowell, accused of hurling anti-gay slurs at fans attending a San Francisco Giants game last week, has been placed on administrative leave, the team announced Friday. 
 
 The Braves have not completed their investigation into the alleged events last Saturday at AT&T; Park, so McDowell's fate with the organization has not yet been determined. 
 
 In the meantime, Braves minor league instructor Dave Wallace will serve as the team’s pitching coach. Wallace, 63, was previously a pitching coach for the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets. 
 
 McDowell has apologized for the remarks in response to heckling fans. He's also accused of threatening a Fresno man, attending the game with his wife and two young daughters, according to celebrity attorney Gloria Allred. 
 
 The Braves on Wednesday issued a statement expressing concern over "the behavior described by a witness today. This in no way represents the Braves organization and the conduct we expect of our employees. We will withhold further comments until we finish gathering information.” 
 
 McDowell allegedly yelled "Are you a homo couple or a threesome?" to fans sitting in the left-field bleachers. He's also accused of simulating a sex act with a bat. 
 
 Giants fan Justin Quinn said he asked McDowell to watch his language in the presence of children. 
 
 According to Allred, the former New York Mets pitcher told Quinn, "Kids don't [expletive] belong at the baseball park." 
 
 McDowell, 50, then "picked up his bat and started walking in a threatening manner towards Quinn," Allred said. 
 
 Quinn, 33, said McDowell asked him, "How much are your teeth worth?" 
 
 Gay groups both locally and nationally are also demanding action by the Braves and Major League Baseball. 
 
 In a statement, MLB Commissioner Bud Selig called the allegations "very troubling. The Atlanta Braves have assured my office that they will immediately investigate the allegations, and report the results of the investigation to me. After I have all the facts, I will make a determination of how to proceed," Selig said. 
 
 Earlier this month, NBA superstar Kobe Bryant was fined $100,000 for calling a referee an anti-gay slur during a Lakers game. Allred said she sees that incident as serving as a template for what should happen to McDowell. 
 
 "There has to be accountability," Allred said. Quinn told the AJC he may pursue legal action against McDowell. 
 
 McDowell, a 12-year major league veteran, was hired by the Braves in 2005 to replace longtime pitching coach Leo Mazzone. 
 
 Return to ajc.com for updates.
– This turned out to be a banner week for the Atlanta Braves pitching staff. In the most high-profile event, the team today placed pitching coach Roger McDowell on administrative leave after he allegedly hurled gay slurs at heckling Giants fans ("Are you a homo couple or a threesome?"), simulated a sex act with a bat, and used the same bat to threaten a man who asked him to tone down his language in front of kids. ("How much are your teeth worth?") He could face harsher punishment once the team finishes its investigation, reports the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Celebrity attorney Gloria Allred is on the case on behalf of the fans. In the other incident, pitcher Derek Lowe got arrested last night and charged with DUI, notes the AJ-C. Police say Lowe was drag-racing another car in his Porsche when he got pulled over. The arresting officer tacked on a reckless driving charge for the 37-year-old.