UTSA Basketball: Acting Coach Steps In After Head Coach Suspended Following DWI

Austin Claunch, the head coach of the University of Texas-San Antonio men's basketball team, was suspended on Wednesday following his arrest on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.

The university confirmed the suspension in a statement released by Lisa Camos, the vice president for intercollegiate athletics. The school is currently reviewing the specific circumstances of the arrest to determine the next steps in Claunch's suspension.

During Claunch's absence, assistant coach Nick Bowman will serve as the acting head coach. Bowman will lead the team's practice and game duties until the university finalizes its decision regarding Claunch's status.

Claunch issued an apology to the player base and the university community. He described the incident as a grave error in judgment and expressed deep regret for the disappointment he caused to his colleagues and players.

In his statement, Claunch acknowledged the high standards expected of a Division I head coach. He said he fell short of the example he was expected to set both on and off the court. He emphasized his commitment to learning from the experience and earning back the trust of the Roadrunner community.

The university stated that it will provide further updates once the review of the circumstances is complete. No specific timeline was given for when the decision on his suspension would be finalized.