Carolina Panthers: Kick returner Michael Bates was charged with drunken driving this week.

Bates, a five-time Pro Bowl selection, was released on $1,000 bail and is to appear in court May 27.

He was stopped on the highway Tuesday night outside Charlotte, state Highway Patrol Sgt. Frank Pierce said. Bates refused a breath test but was otherwise cooperative, he said.

Panthers general manager Marty Hurney declined to say if the team will punish Bates. He described the player as "remorseful.''

Bates missed all of last season after breaking his ankle in the preseason and signed a new contract in March. Bates joined the Panthers in 1996 and spent 2001 with Washington before returning to the Panthers.