Mizzou’s Pinkel Arrested… At Least It’s Not An SEC Scandal Yet

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Missouri football coach Gary Pinkel was arrested around 10pm CT last night on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.  The 59-year-old was released on a $500 bond after being charged with a DWI/DUI first offense.

Pinkel’s attorney has confirmed that his client was arrested, but MU officials have made no comments as of yet.

Pinkel — who is a product of Don James’ coaching tree, like Nick Saban — has turned Missouri’s football fortunes around since arriving in Columbia.  With the Tigers going through an SEC transition next season, it’s unlikely that this arrest will lead to a dismissal, as was the case with former Georgia AD Damon Evans in 2010.

And heck, maybe coaches drinking and driving is a Show-Me-State thing.

In 1987, then Missouri coach Woody Widenhofer was arrested for DUI after a Tiger football game.  In 2007, former St. Louis Cardinals skipper Tony LaRussa was arrested after falling asleep at the wheel of his car — while stopped at a red light — during spring training in Jupiter, Florida.