UGA Athletic Director Arrested for DUI

ATLANTA, Ga. - University of Georgia athletic director Damon Evans apologized Thursday following his arrest on drunken driving charges. During a news conference at the campus Thursday evening, Evans said he failed miserably in being a leader and representing the school.

Georgia State Troopers say they pulled over Evans’ 2009 BMW around 11:55 p.m. at Roswell Road and Chastain Drive in Buckhead. According to a state patrol spokesperson, Evans smelled of alcohol, and a field sobriety test was performed.

Evans was taken to the Atlanta Pre-Trial Detention Center, where he refused a breathalyzer test. He is charged with DUI and failure to maintain a lane.

A passenger who was riding in Evans’ vehicle was also taken to jail. That person has been identified as 28-year-old Courtney Furhmann, who faces disorderly conduct charges. Investigators say Furhmann refused to obey an order to remain seated in Evans’ car during the stop.

At Thursday's news conference, Evans told reporters his actions have put a black cloud over the university and the athletic program. He said he is ashamed and embarrassed, and he has let his family, the university, and Bulldog nation down.

Evans is married with two children.  His relationship with Furhmann is unclear.

Evans, 40, was released on his own recognizance early Thursday morning. As is customary, his vehicle was impounded, and taken to an Atlanta wrecker yard. The vehicle was picked up on Thursday.

Authorities say Evans was given a slip of paper to serve as a temporary driver’s license, which is also customary. He is allowed to drive with that pending a license suspension within 30 days of the date of his booking.

WATCH THE FULL NEWS CONFERENCE WITH DAMON EVANS:



Late Thursday, UGA President Dr. Michael Adams released the following statement regarding Evans' arrest:

"UGA athletic director Damon Evans informed me early this morning of his arrest and provided me an account of the events of last night. Drinking and driving is a serious matter, and I was extremely disappointed to hear of the arrest. Certainly this is not an example of the kind of leadership that I expect our senior administrators to set. I have high regard for Damon personally; I care deeply about him and his family and know him to be a man of integrity. He has sincerely apologized to me for the embarrassment this has brought upon the University. I was notified of this matter while away on vacation and will reserve further action pending a full review by staff and legal counsel."

Evans became head of UGA's athletic department in 2004, following legendary director and coach Vince Dooley. He led the department to a record profit in 2005, beating out all other college athletic programs with $23.9 million in revenue. His arrest came one day before his new, five-year contract with the university began.

In a public service announcement which plays for fans during every Bulldogs' home game , Evans speaks out against drinking and driving.  He encourages fans to pick a designated driver, and says, "When you drink and drive, you lose."

• CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE FULL VIDEO OF EVANS' PSA