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Coaches should set a good example

TCU football was in the headlines again this weekend, and it wasn’t only because the team beat Vanderbilt Saturday night.

It was because of what happened early Saturday morning.

Assistant football coach Willie Mack Garza was arrested after a car wreck on suspicion of drunken driving and failing to stop and render aid. So far, university officials are unclear about whether Garza is continuing his football activities.

However, since he is facing such serious allegations, we think it’s wrong for Garza to retain duties that include close interaction with players. We are not saying he is guilty or innocent here — that is for the law and the court system to decide.

But if or until he is exonerated, Garza’s credibility is in question. Football coaches take on added responsibilities with their jobs that other members of the working world do not have. They are mentors and guides to their players. Coaches are expected to watch over their players and instill in them the importance of responsibility and personal accountability. When a coach fails to live up to those standards, how can he effectively do his job? A coach’s integrity comes under question here.

Until a full police investigation about the accident is complete, we think the university should consider suspending Garza. When professional and collegiate players face serious allegations, they face suspensions. TCU football players also have curfews before game days. TCU coaches currently do not.

Maybe they should after what happened Saturday morning.