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Sports

Missouri's Pinkel suspended for one week after DWI charge

By Sports Network
Published | Updated

Columbia, MO – University of Missouri head football coach Gary Pinkel has been suspended without pay for one week following his Wednesday night arrest on a drunk driving charge.

According to the Boone County Sheriff's report, Pinkel posted $500 bail and was released Thursday morning. He is considered a first-time offender.

Pinkel addressed the situation Thursday with a statement through the school.

"Last night after practice, I met some friends for dinner," the statement began. "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."

The university decided to suspend Pinkel after reviewing the facts.

"After having had a chance to review all of the facts involved with this situation, we feel that this is the appropriate course of action," Missouri athletic director Mike Alden said. "Gary is very remorseful for his lapse in judgment, and he is in full agreement that he holds himself to a higher standard than what he displayed last night."

The suspension is effective immediately, meaning Pinkel will miss this weekend's game against Texas Tech.

The financial impact of the suspension terms equals $306,538, should the Tigers reach a bowl game. That breaks down to: $100,000 social/academic incentive, $75,000 bowl bonus, $13,462 two weeks' base salary, $68,076 two weeks' guaranteed incentives, and $50,000 salary increase due, per contract, at the end of the year.

Pinkel is in his 11th season as Missouri's head coach. The Tigers are 5-5 this season heading into Saturday's game against Texas Tech.