Gary Pinkel
Boone County sheriff deputies arrested Missouri football coach Gary Pinkel Wednesday night for DWI. Pinkel posted a $500 bond and was released from the Boone County Jail.
Pinkel was pulled over Wednesday night around 10 p.m. in Columbia near the intersection of Keene Street and Broadway. According to the story, Pinkel was cooperative with deputies who stopped Pinkel for lane and signal violations.
AUDIO: Boone County Sheriff’s Major Tom Reddin recounts the arrest. 1:20
Director of Athletics Mike Alden will hold a press conference at 4 p.m. at Mizzou Arena to further discuss the situation. Unconfirmed reports suggest that Pinkel will not be on the sidelines this Saturday when the Tigers play Texas Tech.
Pinkel and Alden released statements:
Statement from Head Football Coach Gary Pinkel
“Last night after practice, I met some friends for dinner. After dinner, I was stopped by a Boone County officer and received a citation for impaired driving. First and foremost, I am very disappointed in myself for my lack of judgment in this instance. Nobody should drink and drive, including me. My staff and I constantly reinforce with each of our players the importance of not putting yourself into a position such as this. I did not follow that here and for that, I sincerely apologize to the University of Missouri, to our administration, to the Board of Curators and to our fans. I have already met with our staff and communicated with our players and have apologized to them. I accept full responsibility for my actions and will abide by whatever course of action our leadership deems appropriate.”
Statement from Director of Athletics Mike Alden
“We are extremely disappointed in Gary’s lack of judgment. He is known as a man of great character and integrity. However, this absolutely goes against everything we stand for, and everything that he teaches his players in regards to our social responsibilities. We hold ourselves to very high standards, and this is a very serious breach of those responsibilities. We are gathering facts and will take action appropriately.”
Statement from MU Chancellor Brady Deaton
“I was deeply disappointed to hear the news about Coach Pinkel. Coaches must hold themselves to the very highest of standards. His lack of judgment is especially concerning since he serves as a role model for our students. I expect Mike Alden to take appropriate action and he has my support in doing so. I also expect and believe that Coach Pinkel will accept full responsibility for his actions and will act in accordance with the standards he expects from his players.”
