TPS Confirms Ben Bowling Resigns As Coach, Retains Teaching Position

Tulsa Public Schools statement says it is "supportive of Ben and his decision to seek treatment."<br />

Wednesday, April 25th 2012, 8:40 pm

By: News On 6


Less than two months after being named the new head football coach at East Central High School, Ben Bowling has resigned in wake of a DUI arrest.

He will continue as a math teacher there, according to Tulsa Public Schools.

Bowling was arrested on April 22 for driving under the influence after Tulsa police say he fell asleep in his car in a Whataburger drive-thru lane. The next day, Tulsa Public Schools Interim Athletic Director Gil Cloud announced Bowling was suspended with pay pending the results of a school district investigation.

04/22/12 Related Story: Tulsa East Central Head Coach Arrested For DUI In Whataburger Drive-Thru Lane

A source confirmed Bowling's resignation to News On 6 Wednesday evening. Thursday morning, Tulsa Public Schools issued the following statement:

"We have accepted the resignation of Ben Bowling as head football coach at East Central High School, effective immediately.  We are supportive of Ben and his decision to seek treatment, and wish him the very best as he makes changes in his life.  Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family." 

Shortly after, Ben Bowling released the following statement:

"I am resigning my position as head football coach at East Central High School effective immediately. Tulsa Public Schools maintains a high standard of ethics and, at the current time, I have failed to meet that standard. I sincerely apologize to my family, my friends, Tulsa Public Schools, my East Central family and my players. I would like to thank everyone for their unwavering love and support during this difficult time. I ask that you keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I take the necessary steps to improving my life." 

According to the police booking sheet, Bowling was arrested at 3:15 a.m. Sunday on a complaint of driving under the influence, actual physical control of a motorized vehicle.

According to the police booking sheet, Bowling was asleep, sitting in the drive-thru lane at Whataburger, located at 5726 E. 41st St. Bowling was in the driver's seat with his vehicle running, the radio on, and the car was in park, the report said.

Bowling could not stand on his own and had to be helped to stand, the report said. A sobriety test was not given for Bowling's safety, the officer wrote.

A breathalyzer test showed Bowling's blood alcohol content was .203, more than twice the legal limit.

04/23/12 Related Story: East Central Coach Ben Bowling Suspended After DUI Arrest

An official with the City of Tulsa Municipal Court Clerk's Office said Bowling was given 6 months probation on Wedesday, but could not offer additional details or confirm it was reached through a plea deal.

Court records show Bowling was previously charged with misdemeanor DUI while employed by Muskogee Public Schools in 2008.

Bowling was a Parade All-American quarterback at Jenks and was a member of the Oklahoma State University football team. He played in the Arena Football League from 2003-2008.

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