Michael Turner Arrested -- Atlanta Falcons Star Busted for DUI

Atlanta Falcons running back Michael Turner was arrested for DUI early this morning ... hours afters he helped crush Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football.

Turner -- who rushed for 42 yards and a TD in the MNF victory -- was initially pulled over in his black Audi R8 around 4:06 AM for speeding ... 97 in a 65.

During the stop, officers detected the presence of alcohol and arrested the 30-year-old NFL star for driving under the influence.

Law enforcement tells TMZ ... Turner refused to submit to a breathalyzer test.

Turner -- who's in the 5th year of a 6-year, $34 million contract -- was hauled to Gwinnett County Jail ... but was released two hours later on $2,179 bond.

7:11 AM PT -- The Falcons just released a statement saying, "We are aware of the situation involving Michael and are in the process of gathering more information. Because this is now a legal matter, the club will have no further comment at this time.”