After being arrested for a DWI Wednesday night in Columbia, Missouri head coach Gary Pinkel released a statement apologizing to his players and the school:
I am very disappointed in myself for my lack of judgment in this instance. Nobody should drink and drive, including me. I accept full responsibility for my actions.
Pinkel said he was having dinner with friends and was returning home when he was pulled over at 9:15 for what police called "lane and signal violations".
The Tigers Athletic Director, Mike Alden, released his own statement and announced the school would hold a press conference at 3PM Thursday to discuss the matter:
This absolutely goes against everything we stand for and everything that he teaches his players in regards to social responsibilities. This is very serious breach of those responsibilities. We are gathering facts & will take action appropriately.
Alden's statement is particularly revealing because two of Pinkel's players -- senior LB Will Ebner and TE Beau Brinkley -- were suspended for the first two games of the season after off-season DWI's.
With Missouri at 5-5 and needing to beat either Texas Tech or Kansas to reach bowl eligibility, suspending Pinkel could have a devastating affect on the team's last season in the Big 12.
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