Nationals' Jayson Werth on jail time: 'I've learned my lesson'

Washington Nationals outfielder Jayson Werth told the Washington Post that he's "learned my lesson" for the five days in jail he served for a reckless driving

Washington Nationals outfielder Jayson Werth told the Washington Post that he's "learned my lesson" for the five days in jail he served for a reckless driving charge.

Werth was found guilty by a judge for reckless driving and sentenced to 10 days in jail in December. He only had to serve half of the sentence and did it in two weekend sessions to accommodate his shoulder rehabilitation and preseason training.

"It's a time in my life that I’m glad it’s behind me," Werth told the Post. "I’ve had time to reflect on the whole thing. I want to talk about it one time, and kind of lay it to rest. I'm ready to put it behind me. I've learned my lesson. I don't recommend the experience I had to anyone, really. It’s not something that was fun. It's not a destination you would choose."

Werth appealed the conviction to Fairfax County Circuit Court prior to a plea deal. He was originally charged after being pulled over in Fairfax County, Va., in July for driving 105 mph in a 55 mph zone.

"I don’t want to be looked at as some renegade in the community," he said. "... It was a one-time event. I was on my way to work one day. It was a Sunday morning. There was no one around on the Beltway. At the same time, I felt like people may have the wrong idea of me. In reflection, I thought, 'What can I do make this right?'"

- Molly Geary