Hofstra b-ball coach expresses 'regrets' over incident

Hofstra basketball coach Tim Welsh Saturday spoke with remorse over his arrest on charges of driving while intoxicated.

"I express the deepest regrets and apologies over the incident," Welsh told Newsday. "I will have further comment after I meet with university officials."

That meeting is expected to occur as soon as Monday. Hofstra president Stuart Rabinowitz will decide if Welsh, who is just one month into a five-year deal worth $600,00 a season, will keep his job. Hofstra suspended Welsh without pay after learning of his arrest through the media. Welsh indicated that he did not have access numbers to reach Hofstra immediately after the incident early Friday morning.

Complicating Hofstra's decision will be the potential monetary commitment to Welsh's assistant coaches. While not yet officially named, all have agreed to contract offers and left their former jobs. It is unclear what their fates would be if Welsh is let go. Welsh would not say if he believed his job is in jeopardy. He generally described his situation as a "teachable moment."

Director Jack Hayes, who convinced Rabinowitz to hire Welsh and give him the richest contract in university history, has expressed support for Welsh, according to an insider. Hayes did not respond to calls. Hofstra has prohibited members of the basketball team from commenting on their coach's situation.

It was learned yesterday that Hofstra's decision on Welsh would not coincide with the criminal case against him. Welsh was charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated, driving while intoxicated and obstructing an intersection. The incident happened on Hempstead Turnpike at about 1 a.m. Welsh told police he had been dining at City Cellar, a wine bar in Westbury.

Welsh's blood-alcohol level was .18, more than two times the legal limit of .08. The test was taken two hours after his arrest. He pleaded not guilty to the charges. His next hearing is scheduled for Tuesday at First District Court in Hempstead. Welsh's Rhode Island license was suspended, raising the question of how Welsh would recruit without the ability to drive. He is expected to assign an assistant to do the driving until his license is reinstated.

Welsh has been staying at Hofstra while he looks for housing. He and his wife, who have a residence in Rhode Island, are expected to move to Long Island on June 1.