Charges filed in Pinkel DWI case from July 2025

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Camden County Prosecutor's Office filed one count of driving while intoxicated against former Mizzou football coach Gary Pinkel on Friday, according to court records.

Pinkel was arrested on July 7, 2025, but no charges had been filed until now.

According to the probable cause statement, Pinkel flagged down a state trooper while the latter was on patrol in Lake Ozark. Pinkel and his vehicle were in a business parking lot at the time, and Pinkel told the trooper his SUV had lost a tire and he needed a ride home.

The trooper saw the vehicle did have a blown back tire, and that the vehicle had driven for "a significant distance" on the rim, based on the damage. When the trooper asked Pinkel what happened, he said Pinkel stuttered and slurred while explaining events. The trooper also reported smelling alcohol on Pinkel's breath.

During the conversation, Pinkel reportedly said it had been a few hours since he had a drink, but later admitted to drinking "a very small drink" before driving. The trooper administered several field sobriety tests, including a breath test, in which Pinkel's blood alcohol content registered at .128, according to the probable cause statement.

Pinkel has an initial appearance scheduled for Camden County court on June 29.

In 2011, Pinkel pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor DWI charge and served a two-year probation sentence.

Pinkel served as head coach of the Mizzou Tigers football team from 2001-2015.