Pinkel Issues Letter of Apology to Tiger Nation
Missouri football coach Gary Pinkel asked Tigers fans not to “let my mistake shed a negative light on the many outstanding ways all of our players represent Mizzou,” in an open letter of apology released by the university’s athletic department.
Pinkel, 59, received two years of probation earlier today after pleading guilty to a DWI charge. In the letter, Pinkel said serving his suspension on Senior Day will make Saturday “the most difficult day of my professional life.”
"Tiger Nation,I reach out to you with a sense of great personal disappointment and regret over the decisions I made this past Wednesday night. We’ve known each other for a long time and 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 painsme to know that I let you all down. We’ve built a family here at Mizzou, and it’s built on trust.On Wednesday night I betrayed that trust.Social responsibility and discipline are two things I constantly emphasize to our team. My lack of both in this instance will hopefully prove to be a teachable moment and serve as an example to others of what not to do. I’ve stressed to my players that there are consequences to your actions and I face stiff consequences for what I’ve done. It will be the most difficult day of my professional life to not be with my team this Saturday. 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.I realize it’s not as simple as saying sorry and moving on. I expect to be held accountable. I embrace the challenge of building back the trust of Tiger fans everywhere.It’s a great honor to be your coach.Sincerely,Gary R. PinkelHead Football Coach"
Pinkel will be permitted to return to the team Nov. 24.
More Pinkel DWI coverage
BREAKING: Pinkel Receives Two Years’ Probation
Pinkel Officially Charged with DWI
FULL AUDIO of MU Press Conference Announcing Pinkel’s Suspension
BREAKING: Pinkel Suspended One Game Without Pay
Report: Pinkel to be Suspended Two Games
Clarifying Information of Pinkel Arrest
Update: Pinkel Arrested On Suspicion of DWI (with mug shot)