Northwestern St. Football HC Charged with DWI

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Northwestern State University football Coach Brad Laird was arrested Saturday night in Natchitoches and charged with driving while intoxicated.

He was placed on administrative leave without pay but will keep his job, athletic director Greg Burke said.

“Brad Laird informed me on Feb.16 that he had been charged with a DWI the previous evening," Burke said. "The university takes misconduct by any employee seriously and especially one with the level of responsibility of a head coach. The university immediately investigated and confirmed this incident. I met with Coach Laird on the morning of Feb.17 and informed him that he would be suspended for one 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. The letter also outlined additional measures to address this incident. Having known Coach Laird for many years, I respect and was not surprised that he expressed regret about his lack of judgment in this incident and stated that it is his desire to learn from this matter and move forward as a better leader for the young men in the NSU football program.”

Laird issued the following statement through the university:

“On Saturday night, Feb. 15, I made a poor decision to get behind the wheel of a vehicle after drinking alcohol," he said. "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.”


Laird, who was an all-state quarterback at Ruston High and later head coach there, played his college career at Northwestern, where he is the school's all-time passing leader.

He also coached as an assistant at West Monroe High School, Ouachita High School and Longview (Texas) High School under former University of Louisiana Monroe Coach Pat Collins.

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