Suspended UTSA basketball coach passed out in car outside convenience store before DWI arrest
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A newly-released police report details the arrest of suspended UTSA men's basketball coach Austin Claunch, who is charged with driving while intoxicated.
Corpus Christi police officers found Claunch passed out in a Mercedes on Tuesday in the parking lot of a Stripes convenience store, according to a police report obtained by KENS-TV. The car's engine was running, and one of the doors was open.
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Officers conducted a field sobriety test before arresting Claunch. A store clerk told officers that Claunch had been "stumbling around" inside the store about 30 minutes earlier, KENS-TV reported.
Claunch, 36, was booked into the Nueces County jail Tuesday and released after posting a $1,500 bond, jail officials told the San Antonio Express-News.
Claunch led the Roadrunners through practice Wednesday and spoke with local media that afternoon. UTSA athletics director Lisa Campos announced his suspension shortly after 6 p.m.
"The university is reviewing the circumstances and will determine appropriate next steps, including the length of his suspension," Campos said in a statement. "UTSA Athletics holds its coaches, staff and student-athletes to high standards of conduct and accountability. We take this matter seriously and will address it in accordance with university policies and procedures."
Assistant coach Nick Bowman will serve as acting head coach as the Roadrunners prepare to open their season Monday at San Jose State.
In a statement released Wednesday, Claunch apologized and called the incident "a grave error in judgement."
"I recognize the responsibility that comes with being a head coach and the example I am expected to set, both on and off the court," he said. "I fell short of those expectations, and for that, I am truly sorry. I take full responsibility for my decisions and am committed to learning from this experience and earning back the trust and confidence of those who have placed their faith in me."
Staff writer Greg Luca contributed to this report.
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