By Greg Grisolano
ggrisolano@joplinglobe.com
PITTSBURG, Kan. — A press conference about Pittsburg State University athletics has been slated for 1:30 p.m. today.
But the nature of what will be discussed — specifically, whether the focus will be an announcement on the fate of Chuck Broyles, longtime Gorilla football coach and PSU athletic director — is being kept under wraps.
PSU spokesman Ron Womble declined to say whether the press conference would address what, if any, repercussions would be forthcoming for Broyles, who was arrested Nov. 24 by Galena police and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol.
Broyles has coached the Gorillas for 20 years, and has posted more victories than any football coach in PSU history. He has served as PSU athletic director since 1996.
PSU President Steve Scott has previously said he would meet with the coach and evaluate the situation following the Thanksgiving holiday.
Mixed reaction
Three students who were interviewed by the Globe on Tuesday said they had mixed opinions about the coach’s actions, and what would be an appropriate response. Globe efforts to obtain comment from members of the PSU football team last week were unsuccessful.
“I think he should get more than a slap on the wrist, because he’s in a position of authority,” said Brock Sisney, a senior in communications from Arcadia. “He’s supposed to be setting an example for the students. I probably wouldn’t go as far as making him step down, but he should have to do some community service at least.”
Sophomore Shawnell Shepherd agrees.
“I guess he should have some discipline, but I don’t think he should step down,” said Shepherd, an accounting major. “There needs to be some consequences, because I don’t agree with drunk driving anyway. To be in a position of authority, you can’t just go around driving drunk and expect nothing to happen.”
Another student, Jim Quist, said he believes that the coach stepping down is “ridiculous.”
“He’s a good coach,” said Quist, a graduate student in communications from Sheldon, Mo. “I think if he was drinking in the locker room, or drinking with the team, that would be a different story. This occurred on his personal time.”
Arrest details
Broyles was arrested by Galena police after a traffic stop at 9:53 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24, at 19th and Main streets.
After taking a Breathalyzer test, he was cited with misdemeanor driving under the influence of alcohol. The citation also notes that he allegedly was going 46 mph in a 35 mph zone.
Galena police Chief Larry Delmont said Broyles’ blood-alcohol level was not a matter of public record in Kansas and declined to release it. He said the number was over the legal limit of 0.08 percent.
Delmont said Broyles was released into the custody of someone who came to the police station to pick him up. No bond was set.
He said that is standard practice when there is suspicion of driving under the influence, and no injuries or accident.
He said Broyles was not given special treatment. Delmont said the main concern from a police standpoint was removing an allegedly impaired driver from the road.
Broyles previously said in a statement that he has always told his players not to do anything that would embarrass him, the football program or the university. He said he has told them that they shouldn’t do anything that would diminish the things that have been accomplished.
“Now, I’m the one who is embarrassed,” he said. “I hope others will not judge me too harshly or let this incident tarnish the PSU football program, Dr. Scott or the university.
“I am the one who made a poor choice, and I am the only one who is responsible for my actions.
Staff writer Roger McKinney contributed to this report.
Court date
Broyles is scheduled to appear in city court on Tuesday at Galena.
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