UTSA Basketball Coach Who Passed Out in Car Moments Before DWI Arrest Suspended Ahead of Season Start

NEED TO KNOW

• UTSA has suspended its basketball coach after he was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated
• Austin Claunch was arrested in Corpus Christi, Texas on Tuesday, Oct. 27
• University officials said they would determine the next steps of his suspension

Just days before the season opener, the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) has suspended basketball coach Austin Claunch following his arrest on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.

Claunch, 36, was arrested in Corpus Christi just before 2 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 27 after police found that he performed poorly on sobriety tests, San Antonio ABC affiliate KSAT-TV reported.

The coach was found passed out inside his running Mercedes, which was parked outside a gas station, according to the news station.

Police noted his slurred speech and smelled alcohol on his breath, a report obtained by the outlet said. Claunch, who was identified as James Austin Claunch in the report, was taken to a hospital where his blood was drawn after he refused to take a breath test.

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On Wednesday, the university announced that it had suspended the third-year coach and will determine the next steps after reviewing the circumstances of his arrest.

“UTSA Head Men’s Basketball Coach Austin Claunch has been suspended effective today following his arrest on suspicion of driving while intoxicated,” UTSA Athletics Director Lisa Campos said in a statement Wednesday night. “The university is reviewing the circumstances and will determine appropriate next steps, including the length of his suspension.”

Claunch was the youngest head coach in Division I basketball from 2018 to 2021 after he took over at Nicholls State University. He was previously an assistant coach at George Mason, Clemson, and at Alabama under Nate Oats.

In a statement, Claunch took responsibility for his actions.

“I made a grave error in judgment, and I deeply regret my actions and the disappointment I have caused,” Claunch said. “I sincerely apologize to the young men I have the privilege of coaching, my fellow coaches and colleagues, President [Taylor] Eighmy, Dr. Lisa Campos and the entire Roadrunner community.”

Assistant Nick Bowman will serve as acting coach when the Roadrunners open the season on Monday, Nov. 2 at San Jose State.

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