Former Kentucky coach admits guilt in DUI case
Former University of Kentucky men's basketball coach Billy Gillispie pleaded guilty yesterday in Anderson District Court to driving under the influence.
Gillispie, 49, will have to pay a fine of about $1,000 and complete an alcohol education program before his driver's license can be renewed in Kentucky.
Gillispie's license was suspended for 30 days, but he was given credit for the time his license has been suspended.
Gillispie also apologized to the people of Kentucky, his family and friends, and he thanked the people who offered words of encouragement and support over the past several months.
Lawrenceburg police arrested Gillispie shortly before 3 a.m. Aug. 27. Police said he swerved along a road, then fumbled through his car, looking for his insurance. A police report said Gillispie had red, glassy eyes and slow, slurred speech.
Gillispie was fired at Kentucky last spring after a rocky, 2-year tenure, during which the Wildcats went 40-27. He sued the university, contending that he was owed millions of dollars in severance pay. The university and the UK Athletics Association agreed last month to pay Gillispie nearly $3 million plus attorneys' fees to settle the dispute.
Noteworthy
* Minnesota junior forward Trevor Mbakwe will not be allowed to play for the 25th-ranked Gophers until his pending court case on a felony aggravated battery charge is cleared up. Mbakwe faces a December trial for an alleged attack on a woman in Miami in April. His attorney, Gregory Samms, told the Star Tribune newspaper this summer that his client was mistakenly identified.
Mbakwe can attend classes, practice and participate in team functions, but can't play until the legal matter has been resolved.
* A special prosecutor will review a rape claim against three Arkansas players after local authorities declined to file charges.
A university freshman named three players in the complaint, saying she was raped at a fraternity house in late August. Prosecutor John Threet announced in September that he wouldn't bring charges.
* Notre Dame senior forward Luke Harangody was the leading vote-getter on the Associated Press' preseason All-America team, receiving 57 votes from the 65-member national media panel. Also on the team are Kansas teammates Cole Aldrich and Sherron Collins, Kentucky junior forward Patrick Patterson and Duke's Kyle Singler. *
