Jan 1 2007
On Friday, February 10th of 2006, Oklahoma State men's basketball Head Coach Eddie Sutton was in a car accident in Stillwater. He was cited for Driving Under the Influence and later confessed to having taken prescription painkillers and drinking alcohol. He will take a medical leave of absence from the team to undergo treatment.What Happened?
Witnesses say that Sutton fell in the parking lot outside of Gallagher-Iba Arena just before getting into his Dodge Durango. He appeared slightly dazed but still got into his car and drove away. A few minutes later, he was weaving on the road, driving to the left of center.His Durango struck the back of Teresa Barnard's Suburban before swerving left, then right and off the road into a tree. Sutton was taken to the hospital, but luckily, nobody was seriously injured in the accident. The next day, it would come out that the Head Coach was cited for Driving Under the Influence.
He was not jailed for the charge as sobriety tests could not be conducted at the time due to his injuries. Blood was taken, however, and results were pending.
How Did He Respond?
Before those results would come back, Sutton announced he was taking a medical leave of absence from the basketball team, citing his health problems and the accident as reasons. The games played would continue to count against his overall record, though Head Coach Designate and Sutton's son Sean would coach for the remainder of the season.On February 15th, Sutton read a prepared statement over the phone at an OSU press conference. He admitted he had taken prescription medication and "bought a bottle" of alcohol on the night of the accident. He acknowledged his past struggles with alcohol in the late 1980's in which he went to treatment at the Betty Ford Clinic, and he said he would seek treatment once again.
What Happens Now?
Sutton eventually resigned from his position as Head Coach at Oklahoma State. He underwent treatment for his health issues as well as alcoholism and began public speaking against the dangers of alcohol. Sean Sutton took over the reigns as Head Coach for the 2006-07 season.An important issue for the future is how this will affect Sutton's legacy. Although his credentials certainly warrant it, the decorated college coach is not in the Hall of Fame, likely due to the recruiting scandals at Kentucky in the late 80's.
Does this incident further harm his reputation? For those who don't know much about him, it would have to. And it likely will hamper his Hall inclusion efforts, if even for a short time.
Who is Eddie Sutton?
Nevertheless, Sutton took complete responsibility for his actions on February 10th and asked for the prayers and forgiveness of the OSU family. To his great fortune, nobody was hurt in the accident. Mistakes are frequently forgiven when the consequences of those mistakes don't include death or injury. And that kind of consequence was certainly possible in the situation.Eddie Sutton's statement held a great deal of genuine regret. Although prepared and read, those that heard it knew it sounded honest. Those that know him speak often of his character. Mistakes are made, even by the best of us, and this one will not define Eddie Sutton.
What is Your Opinion?
POLL: Does the February 10th accident and subsequent admission of alcohol abuse by Eddie Sutton lower your opinion of him?
1) Yes. I lost respect for him.
2) No. People make mistakes.
3) I don't know.
