UT fans react to coach's arrest

KXAN (AUSTIN) - University of Texas head baseball coach Augie Garrido has been suspended indefinitely after he was arrested for driving drunk. Garrido was pulled over at 1 a.m. Saturday for driving his Porsche SUV down West 6th Street with the headlights off.

According to his arrest affidavit, Garrido smelled strongly of alcohol. He had bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and had trouble standing. The report said Garrido told the officer he was drunk and downed five glasses of wine. The coach then failed a field sobriety test.

A statement released today from Texas Men’s Athletics Director DeLoss Dodds regarding Texas Baseball Coach Augie Garrido said the suspension, with pay, is pending until further information can be gathered.

Dodds said, "This is a difficult and regrettable situation that we are taking very seriously. I spoke with Coach Garrido and he’s devastated and realizes he made a serious mistake. He deeply regrets putting the university in this position and will act quickly to do what’s right.”

There is no word on what Garrido’s actions will be, but UT fans at Third Base sports bar hope the coach who has lead teams to five national titles is not out on the first strike.

“It's an unfortunate situation,” said devoted UT baseball fan Michael Yockey. “He's a great coach, and he made a mistake and people make mistakes.”

The arrest report noted that Garrido was cooperative with police. He was released from the Travis County jail on bond Saturday. “Everybody deserves at least a second chance,” said UT baseball fan Sandy Andrews. “But that's the university's decision that they have to make, fortunately, I'm not the one who has to make that decision.”

The Texas baseball season opener is February 17.