COLUMBIA, Mo. — Missouri safety Phillip Roche will not face a suspension following his Monday arrest for failing to appear in court, coach Eli Drinkwitz said Saturday.
“There is no internal or external suspension,†Drinkwitz said. “He has been disciplined within the program and we look forward to him making better decisions in the future.â€
The fifth-year coach’s Saturday press conference was his first remarks since Roche, 19, was booked into the Boone County jail after multiple warrants had been issued for his arrest. Those warrants stemmed from speeding offenses in which police cited the player for driving more than 40 miles per hour over the speed limit on Columbia highways.
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Through an attorney, Roche has since pleaded not guilty in three of his six open cases, according to online court records.
He was present at the Tigers’ Tuesday morning practice, which took place several hours before the Post-Dispatch reported his Monday arrest. Roche was not seen during the portion of Wednesday’s practice that was open to media, and Thursday’s practice was closed to reporters. He did take part in MU’s Friday and Saturday practices.
“It’s an unfortunate situation for the young man,†Drinkwitz said. “Obviously didn’t live up to the standard that we set within the program. We have a way that we handle things internally and there will be internal discipline. If it comes to any type of situation that would rise above that, I will be sure to let you know.â€
Missouri’s coach added that the incident has been a wake-up call of sorts to the program when it comes to driving conduct.
“It was something that shed light on a situation that all of us have to be aware of and be cognizant of in how we represent the University of Missouri,†Drinkwitz said.