Sutton Departs Oklahoma State: In a press conference late tonight, Oklahoma State announced that coach Eddie Sutton will not coach the Cowboys again this season. In a conference call after the announcement, Sutton said he has a problem with alcohol, adding that he recognizes the problem and will seek treatment for it. Although most considered this season to be Sutton’s last, he could return following medical treatment for his alcohol problem.
Sutton’s medical leaves finishes a whirlwind week in which he was in a car accident that forced him to spend Friday night in the hospital. He suffered minor head injuries, adding to chronic back and hip pain that has bothered Sutton all season. In addition to the injuries, Stillwater police cited Sutton with driving under the influence, which some speculated may not have been caused by alcohol because Oklahoma law considers painkillers and other medicine as substances that could induce a DUI citation. Sutton’s announcement ends the speculation about the incident.
Sutton’s son, Sean Sutton, will take over as head coach. Sutton had named his son heir to the Cowboy throne long before this season, which most observers expected to be his last. If Sutton does not return, he ends a 35-year career that includes 794 wins, good for fifth all-time among Division I coaches. [2/15/06]
