Eddie Sutton Injured in Automobile Accident

[Nelson Atwell]

No life threatening injuries, but reading between the lines, things don't look too good. Anyone know what the speed limit is on Washington Street? Could that be the reason the DA's office is interested in the investigation?? :unsure:



(see the link below)

 

[Todd Z]

Glug, glug, glug...

 

[Nelson Atwell]

lol Todd. Good theory, based on past history, but too early to speculate.



Here's a little more info (see link)

 

[Nelson Atwell]

Local TV says he will spend the night in the hospital. The spokesperson (Gary Shutt, from OSU) won't give details about the accident, above what is already posted here. Shawn Sutton will be coaching tomorrow at Texas A&M.

 

[Jeffrey Travis]

Rumor has it he was last seen doing 29mph and had his left turn signal on for miles preceeding the crash..............

 

[Gypsy me]

maybe the brakes failed?

Preliminary investigation revealed that Sutton traveled left of center in his Dodge Durango and struck a Suburban from behind at about 60 miles per hour. Sutton's vehicle continued about an eighth of a mile before impacting a tree.

 

[Nelson Atwell]

Here's an update. Apparently, witnesses stated he was unstable and actually fell down before getting into his vehicle. See the link for more...

 

[Deleted deleted]

Until I see the police report and the blood alcohol results, I refuse to speculate.



Remember, NelsonOKC is not one of Mr. Sutton's biggest fans, so take his comments with a grain of salt.



Edited to fix typo.

 

[Jeffrey Travis]

>>>The results of the blood test will not be available for 6 to 8 weeks.



Does Oklahoma have the send them out via pony express to a state with running water and electricity?

 

[Nelson Atwell]

Darin, I'm not speculating...just posting the facts as they come in. It's only newsworthy because of his excellent winning record. If he was a losing coach at Podunk University no one would even care.



Travis, I agree. Six to eight weeks is a long time for a lab test. They usually take hours, not weeks. Sounds like the results will come back a few days after the end of March Madness.

 

[Nelson Atwell]

I guess the Stillwater Police are doing a little speculation of their own now. See the story linked below...I'm sure we'll hear more in six to eight weeks.

 

[Deleted deleted]

The poor guy has had bad hip and back problems the past several years that he's been battling.



I hope he does come back to coaching. He's an inspiration to both players and coaches.



And gosh Nelson, thank you *so* much for your public service. Your biased opinions covered in a veil of 'just posting the facts'.



Yeah, the last sentence is dripping with sarcasm.

 

[Nelson Atwell]

Darin,



The police report is at this link (see below). You'll have to register with the site to read it.

 

[Frank Marano]

Just heard on sportscenter and ESPN he is being charged with a DUI........I dont feel sorry for him...AT ALL. He is taking a medical leave for the rest of the year. AA anyone?

 

[Deleted deleted]

Fmarano: I don't know about your state, but in Oklahoma, Driving Under Influence doesn't necessarily mean alcohol. It can also mean prescription medication.



Mr. Sutton takes pain medication for his back and hip problems. The poor guy is 69 years old and has led a stressful life. Like to see how well you'd hold up to his schedule.



And quite honestly, I doubt any OSU fan gives a crap whether you feel sorry for him or not.

 

[Nelson Atwell]

Darin,



Would you feel the same if you were the one that was hit by Mr Sutton on Friday evening? Step back a bit from your loyalty to the Coach and OSU, and just think about what you are defending.



A man was driving 60 mph (15 mph over the limit) through a city while possibly under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, putting his life and everyone's around him in danger. He crossed the centerline, crashed into another vehicle and traveled another 1/8th mile before crashing into a tree. Thankfully, no one was permanently injured.



It doesn't matter whether the driver was Eddie Sutton, George Bush, Mario Andretti, you, me or Santa Claus. If the allegations are true, a crime was commited.



I sincerely hope that Eddie Sutton returns to the game. He was a great coach and doesn't deserve to end his career this way.

 

[Deleted deleted]

Nelson: Let's answer your question with a question.



Would you be so willing to step forward like a good citizen and let us know about the evils of driving under the influence of medication if it weren't a person you so openly have shown disdain for as Mr. Sutton?



Do I need to go pull your previous posts on the subject for all to see?



Once again, thank you "Mr Public Servant".

 

[Nelson Atwell]

Darin,



I don't share this too often, but I was caught DUI when I was 21 (back in 1984). I was traveling over 80 mph in a 55 mph zone, and couldn't even remember the route I took to get where I was stopped. I had consumed only two beers and taken a Benadryl for allergies. The combination caused me to black out. I was young and stupid, but still thanked the cop for stopping me. It cost me several thousand dollars in legal and insurance fees, but it saved my life.



My maternal Grandfather died of alcoholism as well (ruined his pancreas and liver). I didn't get to see him too much, because he and my grandmother divorced before I was born. My grandmother got tired of him beating her up and beating my mom and her sister when he got drunk. Alcohol and drugs destroys lives. I know this from experience.



I just wanted to share this with you, because you are trying to paint me as some person bent on trashing Mr Sutton's reputation. That is not my intent. Read what you want into my comments, but I did nothing to tarnish the reputation of Coach Sutton.

 

[Frank Marano]

Fmarano: I don't know about your state, but in Oklahoma, Driving Under Influence doesn't necessarily mean alcohol. It can also mean prescription medication.

Ok so he is 69 and has led a stressful coaching life with hip problems.......that doesnt make it right. Maybe he should have taken some time off or retired if it was bothering him in a negative way. The people around him family and assistants should have stepped in if he was under so much stress and gotten him so help.



Like I said, i can't feel sorry for him.

 

[Deleted deleted]

Nelson: thanks for sharing that personal event with the group. That has to be hard to talk about, and it does shed some light on the logic behind you posting this news.



Mr. Sutton has had no previous traffic accidents or trouble with the law since he became coach at OSU in 1991. He has set a fine example to the young men that have played basketball for him, and is given the highest respect in the community of Stillwater and the state of Oklahoma.



The main point of my defense is I just don't want other folks to read "DUI" and assume alcohol. There are other things that constitute DUI in this state.



FMarano: Yes I completely agree that someone in the parking lot at Gallagher Iba should have taken a more proactive approach and kept Mr. Sutton from getting into his car after slipping and hitting his head in the parking lot at G-Iba Arena. Offer to drive him to the airport, anything. I'm sure he gave witnesses a convincing argument that he was ok to drive himself.



The man loves basketball, and I'm sure it is tough for him to realize his health comes first and he should get the help he needs and let his son take over the program. I know most of us would find it hard to let go of one of the loves of our lives.



Hell, there's several thousand Cowboy fans that would all jump at the chance to drive Mr. Sutton whereever he needs to go!