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Head Mizzou football coach Pinkel arrested for DWI

A booking photo of Gary Pinkel following his arrest for DWI in Columbia, Mo.
(Provided by Boone County Sheriff's Office)
A booking photo of Gary Pinkel following his arrest for DWI in Columbia, Mo.

This is a developing story. We will update it when we have more information.

Updated at 4:25 p.m.:

Missouri has suspended coach Gary Pinkel for Saturday's game and frozen his salary for a year following his overnight arrest on suspicion of drunk driving.

Athletic director Mike Alden announced the disciplinary measures on Thursday afternoon. They include a total of some $300,000 in penalties, including a donation to a campus alcohol-awareness program, and 50 hours of community service.

He will miss Saturday's home game between Missouri (5-5) and Texas Tech.

You can read the full information regarding the disciplinary measures here.

Updated 12:15 p.m. with statement from Chancellor Brady Deaton

Updated 10:44 a.m. with statements from Pinkel, athletic director Mike Alden

MU Football coach Gary Pinkel has been arrested for Driving While Intoxicated.

The Boone County Sherriff’s Department Major Tom Reddin confirmed this morning that Pinkel was arrested last night, taken to Boone County Jail, and posted $500 bond on a DWI offense.

Reddin says deputies observed “lane and signal violations” and pulled over Pinkel around 10:15 last night, on Keane Street just north of Broadway in Columbia.

Reddin says Pinkel was cooperative with deputies during the arrest. Investigation reports are currently being written and will be submitted to the Boone County prosecuting attorney’s office for filing of official charges.

Reddin says because of computer glitch resulting from Pinkel’s arrest being processed around midnight, his arrest report does not show up currently on the Sherriff’s “0-700” report. Reddin says he’s working on fixing that glitch and getting the arrest information added to that report.

In a statement released by the university, Pinkel said:

“Last night after practice, I met some friends for dinner.  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 release also included this statement from Director of Athletics Mike Alden:

“We are extremely disappointed in Gary’s lack of judgment.  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.”

Chancellor Brady Deaton also released a statement in which he pledged his full support for whatever action Alden takes:

“I was deeply disappointed to hear the news about Coach Pinkel. Coaches must hold themselves to the very highest of standards. His lack of judgment is especially concerning since he serves as a role model for our students. I expect Mike Alden to take appropriate action and he has my support in doing so. I also expect and believe that Coach Pinkel will accept full responsibility for his actions and will act in accordance with the standards he expects from his players.”

Alden plans to speak to the media Thursday at 4 p.m.

This report includes information from MU Athletic Media Relations.