In a recent report, ESPN has highlighted that Gonzaga University’s head basketball coach, Mark Few, has been issued a DUI citation.
This incident occurred on the evening of September 6th in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where Few was pulled over by the police for erratic driving and speeding.
According to the police report, Few displayed multiple signs of intoxication and refused to complete field sobriety tests. He did, however, provide breath samples that indicated blood alcohol levels of 0.119 and 0.120, significantly above the legal limit of 0.08.
Following the incident, Gonzaga University took immediate disciplinary action. Few has been suspended for two months, a period that will see him miss crucial early-season games, including the “Kraziness in the Kennel” event and two exhibition matches. Additionally, he will not be present for the home opener against Dixie State on November 9.
In a public statement, Mark Few expressed deep regret over the incident and took full responsibility for his actions. He acknowledged the mistake, committed to learning from it, and apologized to the university, the team, and the fans. Few’s previously spotless record makes this incident particularly notable and disappointing to many within the Gonzaga community and the broader sports world.
There has been some controversy regarding how the incident was handled by law enforcement. Few was issued a citation instead of being taken into custody, which has led to discussions about potential preferential treatment given his public profile. Coeur d’Alene Police have defended their decision, stating that similar circumstances often result in citations rather than arrests, but the debate continues regarding the equity of such decisions.
Despite this setback, Gonzaga’s athletic director, Chris Standiford, has voiced his continued confidence in Few’s leadership. Standiford emphasized that Few’s acceptance of full accountability and his commitment to making amends align with the character and leadership he has demonstrated over his two-decade tenure at Gonzaga.
This incident, while a significant blemish on Few’s record, is hoped not to overshadow his contributions to Gonzaga’s basketball success. The university and its supporters are now focused on moving forward and supporting the team through this challenging period.
