News Summary
Two Western Kentucky University basketball players have been arrested for DUI incidents, sparking concerns about safety and behavior among student athletes. Acacia Hayes, a former women’s team player, crashed her vehicle, while Jack Edelen, a men’s team guard, faced similar charges earlier this year. These incidents raise critical discussions about student athlete conduct and the impact of substance use.
Bowling Green – Two Western Kentucky University (WKU) basketball players have recently been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) incidents, raising concerns regarding safety and behavior among student athletes.
On Sunday night, Acacia Hayes, a former player from the WKU women’s basketball team, was charged after her vehicle crashed at the intersection of Chestnut Street and 13th Avenue at approximately 10:46 p.m. The report indicated that Hayes drove over a curb and collided with a concrete wall, resulting in damages estimated to exceed $500.
According to police reports, when officers arrived at the scene, a female passenger in Hayes’ vehicle informed them that Hayes had been consuming alcohol. Initially, Hayes denied having been drinking but later confessed to consuming a single alcoholic seltzer. Law enforcement officials noted that they suspected she was under the influence due to her slurred speech and the distinct smell of alcohol on her breath.
Due to a recent surgery, Hayes struggled to complete several field sobriety tests. During the investigation, police discovered a prescription bottle containing hydrocodone pills inside a walker that was also located in Hayes’ vehicle. Subsequently, she was taken into custody and transported to The Medical Center at Bowling Green for medical clearance before being lodged in the Warren County Regional Jail. Hayes faces charges of first-degree criminal mischief and operating a motor vehicle under the influence, classified as her first offense.
WKU Athletics confirmed that they are aware of Hayes’ incident, stating she had informed the coaching staff of her decision to transfer from the university and had entered the transfer portal on April 1.
Earlier this year, Jack Edelen, a sophomore guard for WKU men’s basketball, was involved in a similar incident. He was arrested on February 2 for DUI and a traffic violation associated with driving without proper insurance. The arrest occurred at 2:26 a.m. after police noticed Edelen’s vehicle stopping for an extended duration and swerving into oncoming traffic.
During the traffic stop, Edelen failed to provide proof of insurance. After performing poorly on field sobriety tests, he was arrested and taken to the Warren County Regional Jail, where he was later released. Edelen is facing charges of operating a motor vehicle under the influence, first offense, as well as failure to maintain required insurance, also classified as a first offense.
Following the events surrounding Edelen’s arrest, he will not accompany the team for away games against Kennesaw State and Jacksonville State. Head coach of the WKU men’s basketball team, Hank Plona, offered support for Edelen, clarifying that the incident does not accurately represent his character as a person.
These incidents highlight ongoing challenges related to student athlete behavior and public safety, prompting discussions within the university community regarding responsible actions and the consequences of substance use during college years.
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Additional Resources
- WNKY: Former WKU Women’s Basketball Player Charged in DUI Crash
- WBKO: WKU Men’s Basketball Player Arrested for DUI Charge
- BG Daily News: WKU Basketball Incidents
- Kentucky.com: Local Crime Report
- Wikipedia: Driving Under the Influence
