Wisconsin Football Staffer Jack Del Rio Arrested for Drunk Driving
A Familiar Face in Trouble
University of Wisconsin football staffer Jack Del Rio, 61, found himself in a precarious situation early Friday morning. He was arrested and cited for operating while intoxicated, first offense, after his vehicle hit a street sign, broke a fence, and came to rest in a yard.
The Incident Unfolds
According to a Madison Police Department incident report, Del Rio was driving in the area of South Segoe Road and Keating Terrace around 12:35 a.m. Friday when the incident occurred. Witnesses directed officers to Del Rio, who was walking away from the scene. He was subsequently taken to a local hospital for a blood draw and released to a responsible party.
A Surprising but Suitable Fit
It may come as a surprise to some that Jack Del Rio, the former Raiders head coach, was working as a Special Advisor to Head Coach Luke Fickell at Wisconsin. However, considering the parallels between Del Rio’s coaching career and Wisconsin’s football program, it’s a fitting partnership. Both have experienced moments of mediocrity, occasionally rising to the top of their conference, only to fall short against superior opponents.
A Troubling Trend
When thinking of Wisconsin, it’s hard not to associate the state with its famous beer, Spotted Cow, and cheese. This raises concerns about the prevalence of drunk driving in the state, particularly given the limited public transportation options. While there’s no concrete evidence to support this claim, it’s a worrying trend that can’t be ignored.
A Defense of Del Rio
In Del Rio’s defense, Wisconsin was on a bye week, so he didn’t have any coaching responsibilities the next day. Additionally, his extensive NFL experience as a player and coach should have afforded him the means to secure a safe ride home. However, as Oklahoma State’s Mike Gundy once pointed out, who among us hasn’t driven drunk at least once?
Consequences and Next Steps
Unfortunately, Del Rio’s luck ran out this time, and he’ll be resigning from his special advisor role as a result of the incident. While this may be a setback, it’s unlikely to be the end of Del Rio’s career in football. His experience and expertise will undoubtedly find a new home, where he can continue to offer guidance to coaches and teams.
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