Missouri head coach Gary Pinkel was arrested for drunk driving on Wednesday night, and now his future at Missouri is in question. Whether or not he survives this mistake in Columbia is up to the school, and we can't be sure how Missouri athletic director Mike Alden will respond. Though we do know Alden is taking this seriously."We hold ourselves to very high standards, and this is a very serious breach of those responsibilities," said Alden in a statement on the arrest Thursday. "We are gathering facts and will take action appropriately, and when those actions are determined, we will communicate them publicly.”
While he waits to find out what the school will do, I know what Pinkel should do. He should not allow himself to be on the sideline on Saturday against Texas Tech. Consider it a self-suspension.
Earlier this season linebacker Will Ebner and tight end Beau Brinkley were both suspended the first two games of the year after each was arrested for DWI over the summer.
Isn't it only fair that the man who handed down those suspensions to his players hold himself to the same standard?
Gary Pinkel had a spotless record at Missouri before this incident, and has been a great leader of the program, but that shouldn't excuse him from the same standard of behavior he's held his players to. In fact, that's exactly why not coaching this weekend would be the right thing for Pinkel to do.
"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," said Pinkel in his statement.
Accepting full responsibility should start this Saturday, coach.
