Housewright cited for aggravated DUI

[CelticCat]

I did some digging it appears Garza has a hearing in June, reason listed "Driver's License Suspension".

I'm not sure he's been convicted of anything yet?

If he refused to provide a sample (e.g., blood, breath, or urine) for drug and/or alcohol testing in connection with the DUI investigation, his license was likely suspended for the refusal. When a refusal suspension is imposed, the suspect/driver has the right to a district court hearing pursuant to 61-8-1017, MCA. At the hearing, the court will determine if the suspension was lawful.

The hearing you found, is it on a district court calendar? If yes, that's what it is.

Just so embarrassing and disappointing. How do you get out and recruit with a suspended license?

Cut bait now and get someone in there ASAP. We won't skip a beat with the weapons on offense.

Typically when you have a suspended license you can get an exception for necessary use of a vehicle. Meaning work related, going to the grocery store, etc.

[PapaG]

Has there been a statement made by Vigen or Costello. They suspended WMG without a conviction.

[ECBobcat]

Just so embarrassing and disappointing. How do you get out and recruit with a suspended license?

Cut bait now and get someone in there ASAP. We won't skip a beat with the weapons on offense.

Typically when you have a suspended license you can get an exception for necessary use of a vehicle. Meaning work related, going to the grocery store, etc.

Montana law does not allow for a probationary/restricted license when the license was suspended for a DUI refusal. The only shot is to “win” the suspension hearing or have the prosecutor agree to a reinstatement. That said, the law does bestow upon the judge discretion to reinstate driving privileges pending the outcome of the hearing.

For a DUI conviction suspension, yes, a probationary / restricted license is available.

I imagine the coordinators’ attorneys have requested or will request reinstatement pending the outcome of the refusal suspension hearing.

[ECBobcat]

One final comment. While I'm disappointed both coordinators have been charged and things look bad for the university, allowing the court process to finish before taking final action is probably the best route. I won't provide names, but I have represented several athletes (no coaches that I can remember, though I did prosecute an MSU coach for DUI) in the past, including a prominent, All-American MSU football player. The All-American football player was facing 6 or 7 charges and, without providing details, nothing stuck at the end of the day. Fortunately, we were able to keep everything out of the papers.

[The Butcher]

When you let one get away with it basically scotch free, it doesn’t really teach others to toe the line.

This is a really bad look for MSU and Vigen. It’s past time to be strict now.

Problem was he wasn't scotch free, but he could get off scot free.

[CelticCat]

One final comment. While I'm disappointed both coordinators have been charged and things look bad for the university, allowing the court process to finish before taking final action is probably the best route. I won't provide names, but I have represented several athletes (no coaches that I can remember, though I did prosecute an MSU coach for DUI) in the past, including a prominent, All-American MSU football player. The All-American football player was facing 6 or 7 charges and, without providing details, nothing stuck at the end of the day. Fortunately, we were able to keep everything out of the papers.

I think that's the important distinction, let it play out. We are too quick as a society to judge or hand down "sentences" before someone has their day in court. Garza was punished already even though hadn't been convicted at the time.

That said, to me, hearing the resolution on this is important. How do we find it out? Seems like no one really knows the status of the DUI charges against Garza.

[Dbrewmsu]

If we're the program we claim to be, Vigen must take action.
Reported as fake account. Nice try.

What's fake about my account?

Seriously? You've attempted to spoof @VimSince03 's account - very poorly, I might add - and are trying to use his well-earned respect on this board to sway opinion before the legal process plays out. Buh-bye!

Well done @MSU01

FYI @kmax @rtb

Jeezus some gris fans are super pathetic. Losers. More lame than even their fb program over there

[Dbrewmsu]

Bozeman must have had a football coach meeting in Billings last night I see a drunk ran into the library

It was a 83 buick L'tard with gris stickers in the window so I doubt your statement

[grizzh8r]

When you let one get away with it basically scotch free, it doesn’t really teach others to toe the line.

This is a really bad look for MSU and Vigen. It’s past time to be strict now.

Problem was he wasn't scotch free, but he could get off scot free.

Oof. Too soon man, too soon.

[Bobcat4Ever]

Whatever happened to innocent until proven guilty?

https://leg.mt.gov/bills/mca/title_0610 ... -0160.html

Driving is a permitted activity — the applicant / license holder has agreed to a few things as a prerequisite to obtaining the license. Probably nobody reads the “fine print.”

[onceacat]

This could easily be the beginning of the end for Vigen. Thats just the world we live in.

I mean this isn't exactly Penn State. Its college assistance coaches at the FCS level getting cited for DUIs. Is it bad? Yes. Should Vigen hold his coaches to a higher standard by making them suffer the consequences? Yes. Should Vigen be let go? No.

With Garza’s most recent DUI I was shocked when he wasn’t let go immediately but understood the legal process needed to play out. In my opinion he should have been let go by the University immediately once the legal end was finalized (if it has been). I’ve truly enjoyed Housewright and what he’s brought to MSU football the past few years. He made a mistake, a stupid one, and we’ve all made them and moved on. But, two coaches with DUI’s in 6 months? It’s absolutely unacceptable for this to be swept under the rug and I truly hope that Coach Vigen addresses this publicly somehow. The players and fans deserve that in my opinion.I’m as big of an MSU football fan and supporter as you’ll meet, but what kind of message is being sent here?!? Seriously, say what you want, but I put this at Vigens feet. These actions may not be his doing, but they could definitely be his un-doing! Vigen is ultimately responsible for setting the tone of the football program, how he approaches this situation could ultimately break him. The optics on this are terrible for MSU and the scrutiny that will be closely following is going to be deserved.

Do all public employees deserve to lose their job for a DUI. Professors, the custodian staff, etc. My guess is they have to treat these coaches the same as they would others on campus. They are more in the public eye, but still under a contract.

Of course not. And they shouldn't. but they arent the public face of the university...they dont make the crazy high salaries that an OC makes, and they weren't driving an MSU issued vehicle.

No way an addict professor should get fired for this. No way Garza or House should be on the sidelines next fall.

[onceacat]

Just so embarrassing and disappointing. How do you get out and recruit with a suspended license?

Cut bait now and get someone in there ASAP. We won't skip a beat with the weapons on offense.

Typically when you have a suspended license you can get an exception for necessary use of a vehicle. Meaning work related, going to the grocery store, etc.

Montana law does not allow for a probationary/restricted license when the license was suspended for a DUI refusal. The only shot is to “win” the suspension hearing or have the prosecutor agree to a reinstatement. That said, the law does bestow upon the judge discretion to reinstate driving privileges pending the outcome of the hearing.

For a DUI conviction suspension, yes, a probationary / restricted license is available.

I imagine the coordinators’ attorneys have requested or will request reinstatement pending the outcome of the refusal suspension hearing.

100% of out of state recruiting trips could be handled with Uber. In state travel would be more difficult.

[onceacat]

I think that Housewright and Garza (has his case been resolved yet?) should in fact be fired if they are found guilty of DUI. However, I also think that a knee-jerk reaction of an immediate termination isn't a wise move, and that they should be given the same opportunity that any of the rest of us would want, to be able to go through the legal process to be able to tell our sides of the story and potentially be cleared of the charges.

It does seem like Coach Vigen needs to come out and make a very strong public statement about his expectations for the people associated with his program.

P.S. When will people around here learn to stop feeding the trolls?

I agree on need to wait for outcomes instead of rushing to fire. But, I also don't think firing is the only option. MSU actively promotes drinking at fundraisers and it is a big part of game day with many on here pushing for in stadium sales. They made mistakes, but guarantee many on here have done the same but not gotten caught. Housewright's wreck makes it more severe, but unpaid suspension would be sufficient in my opinion.

I can pretty much guarantee that very few posters on this thread have 1) been behind the wheel drunk 2) crashed 3) an MSU vehicle 4) left the scene and 5) refused a breathalyzer.

I think most people have messed up on #1. Its the other 4 that turn this into a pretty clear cut case of "Its time for the OC/DC to go" (In the case of the DC, he was driving something like 60 down Main Street, which in and of itself is a fixable offense, drunk or not)

No, most of us haven't done these things.

[onceacat]

I think that Housewright and Garza (has his case been resolved yet?) should in fact be fired if they are found guilty of DUI. However, I also think that a knee-jerk reaction of an immediate termination isn't a wise move, and that they should be given the same opportunity that any of the rest of us would want, to be able to go through the legal process to be able to tell our sides of the story and potentially be cleared of the charges.

It does seem like Coach Vigen needs to come out and make a very strong public statement about his expectations for the people associated with his program.

P.S. When will people around here learn to stop feeding the trolls?

I agree on need to wait for outcomes instead of rushing to fire. But, I also don't think firing is the only option. MSU actively promotes drinking at fundraisers and it is a big part of game day with many on here pushing for in stadium sales. They made mistakes, but guarantee many on here have done the same but not gotten caught. Housewright's wreck makes it more severe, but unpaid suspension would be sufficient in my opinion.

100 percent agree with MSU01 here, pretty crazy how quick people make assumptions and jump to conclusions here. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a “lawyer up and beat the charges”, and all is good here guy. But, I don’t think the school even can fire him until there’s a legal ruling. Same with WMG, and many of us are wondering if there was a conviction there or not yet? Agree though, this seems to be a problem and Vigen needs to address it one way or the other.

There is zero risk from firing a coach for crashing an MSU vehicle & leaving the scene of the accident. The DUI is completely superfluous.

[onceacat]

Such a bad choice. Especially when Garza just got one.

Unfortunately Vigen/Costello/Cruzado didn’t handle Garza well, which makes handling the House situation even more difficult.

Really crappy position to be put in as a leader and a university. One I hope they learn from.

Vigen and Costello MUST come out strong on this.

How did they not handle it well. Suspended him for a game based on putting himself in the situation and waiting for legal process to play out. Are they supposed to give weekly updates on an HR issue. The quick response many seek seems like would lead to costly lawsuits.

Exactly. I think the only good option here is to not take any action until the legal ruling comes out. I know this is a stretch, but hypothetically let's say the facts come out and this was a disgruntled cop that lied about the facts, tampered with evidence, etc. Now IMO most likely WMG was drinking and driving and should be punished accordingly, but I'm just saying the other scenario does in fact happen.

Place House on leave pending the charges. Theres more than enough in crashing anMSU vehicle & leaving the scene. Udy can handle the coaching in the interim & if House is in the clear, MSU can give him back pay.

[BLACKnBLUEnGOLD]

I'm not sure how much credence I put in a source that can't spell the word "Involved," but apparently we got the Law & Order: Special Internet Unit out on this one.

[gtapp]

This could easily be the beginning of the end for Vigen. Thats just the world we live in.

I mean this isn't exactly Penn State. Its college assistance coaches at the FCS level getting cited for DUIs. Is it bad? Yes. Should Vigen hold his coaches to a higher standard by making them suffer the consequences? Yes. Should Vigen be let go? No.

With Garza’s most recent DUI I was shocked when he wasn’t let go immediately but understood the legal process needed to play out. In my opinion he should have been let go by the University immediately once the legal end was finalized (if it has been). I’ve truly enjoyed Housewright and what he’s brought to MSU football the past few years. He made a mistake, a stupid one, and we’ve all made them and moved on. But, two coaches with DUI’s in 6 months? It’s absolutely unacceptable for this to be swept under the rug and I truly hope that Coach Vigen addresses this publicly somehow. The players and fans deserve that in my opinion.I’m as big of an MSU football fan and supporter as you’ll meet, but what kind of message is being sent here?!? Seriously, say what you want, but I put this at Vigens feet. These actions may not be his doing, but they could definitely be his un-doing! Vigen is ultimately responsible for setting the tone of the football program, how he approaches this situation could ultimately break him. The optics on this are terrible for MSU and the scrutiny that will be closely following is going to be deserved.

Do all public employees deserve to lose their job for a DUI. Professors, the custodian staff, etc. My guess is they have to treat these coaches the same as they would others on campus. They are more in the public eye, but still under a contract.

Of course not. And they shouldn't. but they arent the public face of the university...they dont make the crazy high salaries that an OC makes, and they weren't driving an MSU issued vehicle.

No way an addict professor should get fired for this. No way Garza or House should be on the sidelines next fall.

"Crazy high salaries". Maybe at FBS schools but certainly not at the FCS level.

[ND0479]

Just so embarrassing and disappointing. How do you get out and recruit with a suspended license?

Cut bait now and get someone in there ASAP. We won't skip a beat with the weapons on offense.

Typically when you have a suspended license you can get an exception for necessary use of a vehicle. Meaning work related, going to the grocery store, etc.

Montana law does not allow for a probationary/restricted license when the license was suspended for a DUI refusal. The only shot is to “win” the suspension hearing or have the prosecutor agree to a reinstatement. That said, the law does bestow upon the judge discretion to reinstate driving privileges pending the outcome of the hearing.

For a DUI conviction suspension, yes, a probationary / restricted license is available.

I imagine the coordinators’ attorneys have requested or will request reinstatement pending the outcome of the refusal suspension hearing.

100% of out of state recruiting trips could be handled with Uber. In state travel would be more difficult.

It could, but that raises the cost of a recruiting trip 2x - 3x? Just make sure to include that when you’re raising funds from people.

Our recruiting expenses went up because our Coordinators have to Uber across Texas after losing their driving privileges from a couple DUI’s.

[justafan]

I have seen Housewright over-served on occasion but I did not want to raise the flag with MSU staff. Wish I would have. What Coach House needs from us is our support. Housewright is a great man when he is not binge drinking and putting members of our community in danger. Good luck Coach House.... You will be my families prayers tonight.

you must be a heck of sorry excuse for a person for not stepping up knowing he was putting the community at danger and not doing anything about it. Why would you not report the server? if you have seen him drink on numerous occasions to black out why would you not intervene. People get mush brain from drinking to black out. I am guessing you are a drunk too if you have been around him so many times when he is drunk.

[onceacat]

This could easily be the beginning of the end for Vigen. Thats just the world we live in.

I mean this isn't exactly Penn State. Its college assistance coaches at the FCS level getting cited for DUIs. Is it bad? Yes. Should Vigen hold his coaches to a higher standard by making them suffer the consequences? Yes. Should Vigen be let go? No.

With Garza’s most recent DUI I was shocked when he wasn’t let go immediately but understood the legal process needed to play out. In my opinion he should have been let go by the University immediately once the legal end was finalized (if it has been). I’ve truly enjoyed Housewright and what he’s brought to MSU football the past few years. He made a mistake, a stupid one, and we’ve all made them and moved on. But, two coaches with DUI’s in 6 months? It’s absolutely unacceptable for this to be swept under the rug and I truly hope that Coach Vigen addresses this publicly somehow. The players and fans deserve that in my opinion.I’m as big of an MSU football fan and supporter as you’ll meet, but what kind of message is being sent here?!? Seriously, say what you want, but I put this at Vigens feet. These actions may not be his doing, but they could definitely be his un-doing! Vigen is ultimately responsible for setting the tone of the football program, how he approaches this situation could ultimately break him. The optics on this are terrible for MSU and the scrutiny that will be closely following is going to be deserved.

Do all public employees deserve to lose their job for a DUI. Professors, the custodian staff, etc. My guess is they have to treat these coaches the same as they would others on campus. They are more in the public eye, but still under a contract.

Of course not. And they shouldn't. but they arent the public face of the university...they dont make the crazy high salaries that an OC makes, and they weren't driving an MSU issued vehicle.

No way an addict professor should get fired for this. No way Garza or House should be on the sidelines next fall.

"Crazy high salaries". Maybe at FBS schools but certainly not at the FCS level.

Relative to professors, custodians, support staff at MSU. MSU is known for how poorly it pays most staff. I dont recall exactly how much Housewright makes, but I'm reasonably sure its 20-30x what MSU pays adjuncts. At the salty old age of 33.