Alcohol played a big role in the car crash that and his girlfriend on Oct. 26, .

The 22-year-old Taveras apparently had a blood-alcohol level five times the legal limit at the time of the wreck.

Te sie Sanchez, a spokeswoman for the attorney generals office in the Dominican Republic, told The A sociated Pre s on Wednesday that toxicology reports showed Taveras had a blood-alcohol level five times the legal limit when he lost control of his car Oct. 26 on a highway in Puerto Las Vegas Raiders Pet Gear Plata.

The AP story did not say what the legal limit is in the Dominican Republic, but the liststhe limit as 0. Mike Haynes Jerseys 05 for the general population (as of 2012).

The accident took place as Taveras and Edilia Arvelowere driving from Jamao to his hometown of Sosua on the Atlantic Coast of the Dominican Republic.

Taveras was a top prospect in the Cardinalsorganization ever since he signed with the club as an amateur free agent in 2008. He appeared in 80 games this season with the Cardinals, hitting three home runs, driving in 22 runs and batting .239.

The Cardinals released a statement frmgeneral manger John Mozeliak on Wednesday night:

"We have seen the media reports regarding Oscar Taveras that have come Robert Jackson Jerseys out this afternoon, but have yet to receive official notification from the Dominican. Until we have the opportunity to review the official report, we cannot confirm details. While we are still working to obtain facts, it won't change the fact that this is a terrible tragedy. We have an obligation to use this as an opportunity to educate our players that they must take responsibility for themselves both on and off the field."

A month into the 2007 season, St. Louis pitcher Josh Hancock was killed in a car crash and tests showed his blood-alcohol level was nearly twice Mi souri's legal limit.

The Cardinals subsequently banned alcohol from their clubhouse. As of last season, they don't provide alcohol in their locker room at home or on the road, and don't permit alcohol Josh Jacobs Hoodies Sweatshirts on team charter flights returning to St. Louis.

Contributing:Tom Gatto, The A sociated Pre s