Northwestern State head coach Brad Laird suspended after being arrested for DWI

Northwestern State head football coach Brad Laird has been placed on administrative leave without pay after being arrested for driving while intoxicated Saturday night.

Laird issued the following statement:

“On Saturday night, February 15, I made a poor decision to get behind the wheel of a vehicle after drinking alcohol. It was a poor and selfish decision, and I apologize to everyone who was unknowingly put at risk. I am extremely disappointed in this decision as this is not the type of behavior I instill in my players and staff. This was a lapse in judgement, and I take 100 percent responsibility for my actions. There are so many that are affected by my selfish decision.

“I would like to apologize to my family, Dr. Jim Henderson and the University Louisiana System, Dr. Chris Maggio and Northwestern State University, Mr. Greg Burke and the Northwestern State Athletic Department, and to the Northwestern State football players and coaches – past and present.

“As a role model for this great University and the players and coaches, I am disappointed as my actions were not in the best interest of my family, University, players and coaches. I completely understand there are consequences for all actions, and I accept the disciplinary terms that come with the decision I made Saturday night.”

Northwestern State released this statement on the arrest:

“Brad Laird informed me on Feb. 16 that he had been charged with a DWI the previous evening,” Northwestern State Athletics Director Greg Burke says in a statement the Natchitoches school’s athletics department released Monday.

“The university takes misconduct by any employee seriously and especially one with the level of responsibility of a head coach,” Burke continues.

After confirming that Laird had indeed been arrested, Burke met with him Monday morning and informed him that he would be suspended for a week without pay.

“He was also issued a letter of reprimand informing him of consequences that could result from any future misconduct that would violate the conditions of his contract with the university,”

Last year the Demons were 3-9 and the year before that they were 5-6. They have tons of talent on their football team, and maybe the team should turn in a different direction after this arrest.