Update: Gary Pinkel Arrested on Suspicion of DWI
Boone County Sheriff’s Department arrested Missouri Tigers football coach Gary Pinkel on suspicion of driving while intoxicated at 12:01 a.m. today. Boone County Sheriff’s Department records indicate Pinkel was released on a $500 bond for the first-time offense.
The Columbia Daily Tribune’s Dave Matter reports the University of Missouri issued a press release in which Pinkel apologized for his arrest:
"“Last night after practice, I met some friends for dinner,” Pinkel said in the statement. “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.”"
MU athletic director Mike Alden expressed disappointment towards Pinkel’s arrest in the university’s official release:
"“We are extremely disappointed in Gary’s lack of judgment,” Alden said in his statement. “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, and when those actions are determined, we will communicate them publicly.”"
MU linebacker Will Ebner, reserve tight end Beau Brinkley and defensive line coach Bruce Walker were each arrested for DWI Aug. 2010, and at the time Pinkel told the Columbia Missourian he was embarrassed by their arrests.
"“We’ve, I think, done a good job in building a reputation for running a first-class program, a disciplined program, so I’m embarrassed,” Pinkel said. “I’m embarrassed that we’ve taken a few of these hits. We built the program on the discipline that we have.”"
Ebner and Brinkley were each suspended two games for their arrests, and Walker’s discipline was handled internally.
The Tigers play their Senior Day game at home against Texas Tech Saturday, and play against Kansas at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Nov. 26.
Multiple news outlets report Alden will speak to the media at 4 p.m. in Mizzou Arena. Zoulogy will continue to provide updates on the story as they become available.
More Pinkel DWI coverage