Bengals LB Rey Maualuga, who pleaded guilty to drunk driving earlier in the week, plans to enroll at a treatment center to address alcohol-related issues, a source with knowledge of the situation confirmed.

Maualuga was arrested Jan. 29 after police said he hit a parking meter and two parked cars in Covington, Ky. He was charged with drunken and careless driving, and a court hearing was scheduled for Feb. 25. Maualuga changed his plea to guilty on the drunken-driving charge Tuesday and received a suspended seven-day jail sentence.

However, Maualuga had his driver’s license suspended for 90 days and was ordered to participate in an alcohol and drug education program.

The Bengals are aware of Maualuga’s decision to enter the Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage, Calif., and are supportive of the move, the source said.

Following his plea Tuesday, Maualuga released a statement through his agents, apologizing for “making a terrible decision.”

Maualuga had a solid rookie season in 2010 after falling to the second round of the NFL draft, despite being projected as a top-20 pick.

– Steve Wyche

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