A former University of Arkansas-Fort Smith basketball coach was found not guilty in Scott County District Court last week on a charge of driving while intoxicated.
Justin A. Bailey, who was the men's basketball coach at UAFS, was arrested Dec. 30 by Arkansas State Trooper Mike Lance near Waldron. Bailey, 32, was cited for driving while intoxicated, speeding and passing an officer stopped on the shoulder.
Following his arrest, Bailey was placed on paid leave from UAFS and resigned his position in January.
In April, the charges of speeding and passing an officer stopped on the shoulder were dismissed.
In a statement, Bailey said he came forward to his superiors at UAFS about his arrest on his own and always said he was innocent.
"In December of 2018, I self-reported an incident to my athletic director, was placed on administrative leave and ultimately forced to resign my position as head coach," Bailey said. "Throughout the whole process, I have maintained my innocence and never once admitted guilt to the charge made against me. In the weeks and months to follow, my reputation and character was put into question by local media and from the public in our community."
Bailey said he was pleased with his acquittal on the DWI charge. "Unfortunately, this did not happen under the university's timetable but now I can continue to follow my passion and pursue a position that will allow me to show my strengths and rebuild the honor and integrity of my name," he said.
"I thank those who stood beside me, knowing that we would prevail! I thank those in the community who supported me through phone calls and text messages. I sincerely thank those who reached out to me and for me with prayer," Bailey said. "I am a firm believer in God and I truly believe that greater good will come out of this."
Bailey was in his first season as the head coach at UAFS. He previously was an assistant coach with the men's program as well as a former player. Bailey is a Fort Smith native and graduate of Northside High School.
Sports on 05/08/2019