University of Georgia athletics director Damon Evans apologizes for DUI arrest, hopes to keep job
The Associated Press
July 2, 2010
University of Georgia athletic director Damon Evans apologized Thursday after he was arrested for drunken driving, saying he "failed miserably" in being a leader and representing the school well.
A state trooper pulled over Evans late Wednesday night for driving erratically in Atlanta. Evans, 40, smelled of alcohol and failed a field sobriety test, police said. He was charged with DUI and failure to maintain a lane.
"My behavior and my actions are not indicative of what we teach our student athletes," Evans said during a news conference at the Athens campus. "My actions have put a black cloud over our storied program."
Also in the car with Evans was 28-year-old Courtney Fuhrmann. She was charged with disorderly conduct after police said she repeatedly ignoring warnings to stay inside the 2009 BMW while the trooper was conducting the field sobriety test.
Authorities did not know the relationship between Fuhrmann and Evans.
"I honestly don't want to talk to any press," Fuhrmann said by telephone.
Evans, a married father of two, was arrested the day before his new, five-year contract with the university began. He has publicly campaigned against drunken driving, including filming a public service announcement that airs during home football games to the crowd at Sanford Stadium.
"If you drink and drive, you lose," Evans says in the message.
The athletic director hopes to continue in his position, which he has held since July 2004.
School president Michael Adams said he was extremely disappointed, but will not decide on disciplinary measures until there is a full review by the university staff and legal office.
