March 14, 1991

WSU COACH PLEADS GUILTY IN DUI CASE
JUDGE ORDERS 3 DAYS OF ALCOHOL COUNSELING

Wright State University men's basketball Coach Ralph Underhill will spend three days in an alcohol counseling program following his guilty plea in Kettering Municipal Court on Monday.

Underhill was also fined $200 and had his driving privileges curtailed temporarily.

Underhill, 49, was arrested on March 7 by Kettering police and charged withdriving under the influence of alcohol and driving in the wrong direction on East Stroop Road.

Underhill's arraignment had been scheduled for 9 a.m. today, but Underhill's attorney, Robert L. Moore, said he requested the change because Moore had a conflict on the original court date.

Following Underhill's plea, acting Judge Gregory F. Singer suspended $800 of a $1,000 fine. The judge also suspended 177 days of a 180-day jail term in lieu of Underhill's participation at an alcohol counseling center.

Underhill's driver's license was revoked until March 26. At that time, he will be eligible to obtain a permit to drive only to and from work until June 10.

"Ralph's a big boy. He took his lumps. He's a trouper," Moore said. "He wastreated like any first-time offender.

"My advice to him was: 'Don't say anything. You've been accessible - almosttoo accessible - to everyone from the media. Now it's time to move on.' "