PHILADELPHIA - TCU coach Jeff Mittie was reprimanded Friday for his arrest for suspicion of drunken driving, but he will coach the Frogs in the NCAA Tournament.
Mittie tearfully apologized for the arrest, which came three days before the Frogs' (24-6) first-round game today against Temple.
"I certainly regret that this has been a distraction. It's been a tough week. I regret that for them," Mittie said, pausing as he choked up. "They've worked very hard."
Mittie was required to seek an alcohol evaluation to determine if he needed treatment and complete a state approved alcohol awareness education program. Mittie also must attend an alcohol victims impact panel presentation and perform substantial community service.
Mittie could also be fined or lose pay.
"I'm here in Philadelphia preparing this team the best way I know how," Mittie said. "They're doing an unbelievable job of working hard."
Mittie was pulled over early Wednesday. The coach was detained for investigation of DUI and was released on $1,000 bond.
OHIO STATE: Coach Jim Foster draws the distinction that although the Buckeyes may be playing in their hometown, they are not playing on their homecourt in this week's NCAA Mideast subregion.
"I don't feel the least bit comfortable other than I'll drive home tonight and have a pretty good idea where I'm going," Foster said on the eve of his team's first-round game against West Virginia. "We played two games over here (at St. John Arena) and we practiced here about five times this year. So I would not say that this is where we live."
The Buckeyes play their home games at Value City Arena, but this weekend that facility is hosting the Ohio girls high school tournament. To get one of the NCAA's 16 subregionals, Ohio State had to dust off the 48-year-old St. John Arena.
The dingy concrete-and-aluminum structure has been used primarily by the volleyball, gymnastics and wrestling teams since the men's and women's basketball squads moved across Olentangy River Road after the 1997-98 season.
Though the Buckeyes say they have to adapt to the old arena just like West Virginia, Boston College and Eastern Michigan have to, there is still no doubt that Ohio State gets an edge by playing close to home.
"Mentally for them it is an advantage," West Virginia coach Mike Carey said. "They're thinking, "We're in our home arena. We'll have a lot of fans here.' But the game is played on the floor and we need to not make any excuses. We need to play against Ohio State, not where they're playing."
No. 6-seeded Ohio State (20-9) meets 11th-seeded West Virginia (21-10) this morning at St. John Arena, followed by third-seeded Big East tournament champion Boston College (25-6) taking on Eastern Michigan (22-7). The 14th-seeded Eagles are making their first NCAA appearance after winning the Mid-American Conference tournament.
