The new head coach of Hofstra University’s men’s basketball team was arrested early today on DWI charges after a police officer found him asleep at the wheel of his car with the motor running, authorities said.
Tim Welsh, 49, was driving a silver 2006 Lexus in Levittown at about 1 a.m. when an officer saw that the former ESPN analyst was stopped at a green light.
Nassau County Det. Lt. Kevin Smith said Welsh “was discovered by a patrol officer asleep. … His foot was on the brake. He was asleep and the motor was running.”
Once the officer secured vehicle, Welsh awoke and got out, police said.
“He had bloodshot eyes, slurring of speech and was unsteady on his feet,” Smith said.
Police sources said Welsh blew a .18 during a sobriety test — more than twice the legal state limit of .08.
Welsh was arrested and has been charged with DWI and blocking an intersection.
Welsh pleaded not guilty at his arraignment this afternoon in Hempstead. His bail was set at $2,000 bond or $1,000 cash bail.
As a result of the charges, Welsh was suspended by the school without pay.
“We have learned through media reports of the charges against Mr. Welsh,” the school said in a statement. “Effective immediately he has been suspended without pay while the university investigates the charges against him.”
Welsh was named Hofstra’s new coach last month after spending the last two years as a broadcaster for ESPN.