Writing, “It will be the most difficult day of my professional life to not be with my team this Saturday,” Missouri football head coach Gary Pinkel told fans and students in an open letter that he is ready to build back trust after his DWI arrest on Wednesday night.
Pinkel was suspended for one game by Director of Athletics Mike Alden and will not be on the sidelines Saturday when the Tigers host Texas Tech.
“My heart goes out to this group of seniors who will be playing their final home game at The Zou. They’ve accomplished so much and I’m very proud of them. Don’t let my mistake shed a negative light on the many outstanding ways all of our players represent Mizzou.”
Pinkel accepts responsibility for his actions and accepts the consequences.
“I’ve worked hard to represent you and the University of Missouri, a place we all love, with the highest standards of integrity. I put myself in a situation that was absolutely counter to those standards and it pains me to know that I let you all down.”