Opinion of Pinkel Arrest

Reaction to Pinkel's Arrest

With the recent DWI arrest of Missouri Head Coach Gary Pinkel the immediate reaction to some might be to overreact and to fire the man. I personally don't believe this should be the direction Missouri goes in this situation and hopefully the media doesn't force Mizzou to make a decision that it will regret for many years.

When Missouri enters the SEC in 2012 it will do so with one of the premier coaches in the league. Pinkel has taken over a program that was dead for several decades and made them relevant to College Football for the first time since Dan Devine was coach in Columbia. Pinkel's win total from 2001-2011 is more than the school had in the 17 years prior to his arrival. This is a man that has had 3 top 20 finishes since 2007, something the school had not accomplished one time from 81-07. Still, wins and losses aren't all that matters as a coach.

What Pinkel did Wednesday was stupid, but certainly not uncommon. Most men Pinkel's age have gone out with friends and had a few drinks and then went behind the wheel and drove. It doesn't make it right, but it happens everyday and most of us never get caught. I personally will admit to doing it many times as a young adult, but have stopped now that I have a family. Texas Baseball Coach Augie Garrido made the same mistake in 2009, but is still on the diamond today leading the Horns. Pinkel should be punished, but firing him is not needed. Pinkel has 10 years of a solid character foundation built in Columbia, one dumb mistake shouldn't ruin a career.

Missouri should give Pinkel a financial penalty of some sorts and take that money and donate it to a worthy alcohol rehab charity. Pinkel should also lose his right to drive, something I'm sure his lawyer will work with authorities on. Pinkel should be required to speak to students about the stupidity of drunk driving and attend substance abuse classes. I do not think he should lose his job over this one incident though. Certainly, he's got to be held to a higher standard, but forcing Pinkel out doesn't help anyone involved in this situation.

The key to Pinkel keeping his job will be the media reaction in my opinion. Right now most in the media are concerned about the scandal at Penn State, so maybe this incident fails to trigger an overreaction. Many times we see an individual make a common mistake, but the moral police will force an administration to make a move that isn't the best for all parties involved. Missouri needs to enforce the punishment they feel is needed in this incident and not give in to media pressure.

Pinkel made a mistake and should pay for it. Hopefully though Missouri will realize this isn't a common trait with the man and won't give into any pressure that comes from outside influences. Do what is best for The University, The City of Columbia, and student athletes in this situation. If it is decided that ridding yourself of Pinkel is what is best then so be it, but don't cave and let others tell you what to do.
Matt Barber
Dixiefriedsports@gmail.com
http://twitter.com/#!/dixiefriedsport