OSU basketball coach Eddie Sutton cited for DUI after accident

Monday, February 13th 2006, 5:57 am

By: News On 6

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) -- Oklahoma State basketball coach Eddie Sutton is stepping down for the season after being cited for driving under the influence following a traffic accident Friday afternoon.

Police Chief Norman McNickle says the Payne County DA will decide whether to file charges after results of a blood test are available. McNickle says the results of those tests aren't expected for six to eight weeks.

Sutton was not given a field sobriety test because he needed medical attention.

A spokeswoman for a state prosecutor says driving under the influence could involve anything from alcohol to prescription drugs. Sutton has been taking prescription drugs for back pain that caused him to miss the season opener and several practices.

A witness at the accident reported seeing a bottle of the prescription narcotic painkiller hydrocodone on the seat of Sutton's SUV.

Sutton was also cited for speeding and driving left of center in the accident in which he collided with the rear of another vehicle. The driver of the second vehicle suffered minor injuries.

OSU released a statement Monday morning saying Sutton will take a medical leave of absence for the remainder of the season while his son Sean takes over the basketball program.

The Cowboys lost to Kansas Monday night, 64-to-49, in Stillwater.