University of Missouri's football coach charged with DWI

COLUMBIA, Mo., Nov. 17 (UPI) -- Gary Pinkel, head football coach at the University of Missouri, apologized Thursday, hours after he was charged with drunken driving.

In a statement released by the university, he said he was pulled over Wednesday evening in Boone County after a post-practice dinner with friends.

"My staff and I constantly reinforce with each of our players the importance of not putting yourself into a position such as this," he said. "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."

The university's director of athletics, Mike Alden, said officials are "very disappointed in Gary's lack of judgment." Alden said the university has not yet decided what action to take.

The Boone County Sheriff's Office said Pinkel was released on $500 bond and was cited as a first-time offender, The Kansas City Star reported.