Former University of Kentucky basketball coach Billy Gillispie, age 50, charged with drunken driving, has reportedly told police that he and his passenger, Charles O’Conner, were returning from a golfing trip when they were pulled over. O’Conner, age 42, was charged with public intoxication, according to reports.
This is the third time that Gillispie has been arrested on alcohol-related driving charges. In one case the charge was dismissed and in the other he pleaded guilty to a lesser charge, reckless driving. Gillispie, fired March 27, was working under a seven-year MOU but hadn’t signed a formal contract during the two years he coached the Wildcats.
Gillispie sued the University of Kentucky Athletics Association in federal court in Dallas on May 27, claiming fraud and breach of contract. Gillispie claims the school never intended to sign him to a long-term deal. The school has denied the allegations. He is seeking at least $6 million — about $1.5 million per year for four of the five years he says were left on his agreement.
In a countersuit filed by Kentucky, the association claims it doesn’t owe Gillispie back pay because he never signed a contract.