Oklahoma State Coach Sutton Takes Leave

[Longhorn]

By KELLY KURT

Associated Press Writer


TULSA, Okla. — Eddie Sutton may have coached his last game, a 35-year career possibly ending six victories short of 800 because of a traffic accident in which he was injured and cited for driving under the influence.

Oklahoma State announced Monday that the 69-year-old Sutton would take a medical leave and that Sean Sutton, his son and designated heir apparent, will finish this season as coach. The school said no decision had been made on who will coach next season.

Sutton said in a statement released by the university that he nearly took medical leave after a Feb. 4 trip to Kansas State because of chronic back pain that was "making it very difficult to coach."

"After Friday's events, I know it is best to go on medical leave the remainder of the season to address my future health," he said. "It is very difficult to step away from the team. But I know they are in great hands."

http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/shared-gen/ap/General_College_Sports_News/BKC_Sutton_Accident.html

[dr.zoidberg]

1. He got a DUI.

It was possibly caused by the pain medication that he was taking for his hip and back. I believe.

[Longhorn]

2. That's the impression I got

though there was mention of a "fruity" odor on his breath. :shrug:

It's too bad that it took a serious accident for him to realize the shape he was in. I have sympathy for him and the guy he hit. Bad situation all around.

[fishwax]

3. I hope it was the pain meds, and it seems logical

Sutton has had alcohol problems in the past, but this seems to be a result of medication, from all the reports I've seen.

It would be a shame to see his career end with such a whimper ...

[RoyGBiv]

4. No, he was drunk ...

... AND on pain meds.

He admitted in his news conference tonight to having given in to weakness and purchasing "a bottle."

He has some chronic pain issues and a history of trouble with alcohol, not a good combination.

[fishwax]

5. I just saw the news about him admitting it

that's too bad. Being a Sooner, I'm hardly a Sutton fan, but I've respected him and it's unfortunate he's dealing with these demons again. It's hard to believe this is the first time he's fallen off the wagon, i suppose, and I hope he gets the treatment he needs so he won't continue putting other people's safety (as well as his own) in jeopardy ...

[RoyGBiv]

6. He needs serious treatment ...

Locked away in an intensive rehab center that gives him absolutely no quarter for his celebrity status.

I won't bash him because I know from personal experience this is a disease, but I do have to say there was a little bit of bullshit in his statement today. He's "weakened" quite a lot in recent years, has been seen in public rip-roaring drunk, but it was celebratory or fraternal, so no one bothered to make an issue of it.

Calling the people he ran into, taking responsibility, and apologizing was a classy move ... the least he could do actually, but classy in comparison to some other situations involving people hurting others through their own negligence we've seen recently.

[fishwax]

7. i agree completely

on all counts. I won't bash him either, for about the same reason, but it's clear that he's had people propping him up and/or covering for him for quite some time.

I saw on another board (an OSU board) a transcript of a 911 call in which an individual (rumored to be an OSU police officer) called 911 to try to quietly report Sutton's "problematic" driving, but then changed his mind and insisted everything was fine. Things like that. I don't know how accurate that message board story is, but it highlights the importance of him not getting quarter for his celebrity.

<<but classy in comparison to some other situations involving people hurting others through their own negligence we've seen recently.>>

too true ...

[RoyGBiv]

8. It's probably accurate ...

I of course don't know of the specific incident, but that jibes pretty well with things a few part-time security people I see daily who work full-time law enforcement had told me about Sutton (in the context of talking about famous Okies with drinking problems who get away with more than they should) before this happened. Now they're all like, "This is a surprise to anyone?" The security guard in my office is particularly irritated at the way this is being reported. He was disciplined once by his police chief for arresting a city councilman he'd stopped for eratic driving and was obviously drunk. He's of the opinion that if you're breaking the law and harm others, you're going to jail no matter who you are.

[fishwax]

9. now it comes out that they found no painkillers in his blood

and his BAC was a whopping .22 ...