Gonzaga men’s basketball coach Mark Few is facing a charge of driving under the influence after being pulled over on Monday evening around 8 p.m., The Spokesman-Review reported Tuesday afternoon after obtaining a police report of the incident through an open records request.
Few, 58, was pulled over north of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, after police received a report that he was driving erratically and speeding. He exhibited “several signs of intoxication” according to the police report and refused field sobriety tests. He submitted blood alcohol samples of .119 and .120 that were both over the legal limit of .08 and was issued a citation by the Coeur d’Alene Police.
Gonzaga athletic director Chris Standiford issued a statement Tuesday acknowledging Few was indeed cited for suspicion of driving under the influence but abstained from further comment to let the legal process play out.
“We are aware of the report that Coach Few was cited for suspicion of driving under the influence,” Standiford said in the statement. “While the facts of the situation are still being evaluated, we understand its severity and the legal process that will follow. As a Gonzaga employee, we respect Coach Few’s right to privacy and will refrain from further comment at this time.”
Few issued his own statement late Tuesday night that reads as follows:
“I believe as a leader and role model, I am expected to set only the best example,” he said in part. “The decisions I made yesterday do not exemplify this standard and for that, I sincerely apologize to you all. I recognize that operating a motor vehicle after consuming any amount of alcohol exhibits poor judgment.
“Regardless of the outcome of the pending investigation, I will never allow such a lapse in judgment to occur again. Please know that I am committed to learning from this mistake and will work to earn back your trust in me.
“I deeply regret disappointing any of the members of the community, the young men and women who comprise my campus community, and the University as a whole. In particular, I am sorry for the hurt that I have caused to those most important to me – my family, my players, and my program.
“I am exceedingly grateful to those who continue to offer support to me, especially my wife and children. Thank you.”
Few and Gonzaga went 31-1 last season and marched to the national championship as the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament before falling to Baylor, 86-70, in the title clash. The Bulldogs lost stars Corey Kispert and Jalen Suggs from their roster but have the No. 1 team in the CBS Sports early Top 25 (And 1) preseason rankings thanks to the addition of star recruit Chet Holmgren and the return of Drew Timme.
