Saul Smith was pulled over 2:20 am Saturday by Minnesota State Troopers after being seen driving on the shoulder of a highway 394 at speeds up to 80 mph. The officer noted that his eyes were bloodshot, speech slurred and his reaction times severely delayed. After being taken to the station he blew a 0.18 blood alcohol level on the breathalizer, more than twice the legal limit. According to police he was book and release a few hours later.
Smith who is an assistant coach at UM is also the son of head coach Tubby Smith so athletic director Norwood Teague wants to handle things delicately but firm. “We’re the front porch to the university in a lot of different ways no matter how you slice it, and we just can’t have behavior like that,” Teague said. “It’s just not good for anyone. It’s embarrassing, and I won’t tolerate it.”
Smith who will have his court date December 3, has been put on unpaid leave indefinitely. His coaching duties will be picked up by other members of the coaching staff and there is no plan yet to replace him.
This alcohol related offense comes just a few days after Trevor Mbakwe was sentenced with two years of probation for his DUI earlier this summer. Mbakwe, who was very fortunate to avoid jail time has been given another chance at playing basketball. Teague doesn’t look to be as lenient towards the actions of Smith, who is a representative of the university and a leader figure for the students.
“While we do not want to rush to judgment before the legal process proceeds, Coach Smith and I are taking this matter seriously,” Teague said in a statement. “University of Minnesota values dictate that our coaches and staff be positive role models for our student-athletes. As such, we are taking disciplinary measures while the legal system takes its course.”