An Athens judge denied a motion to suppress videotape that showed an Ohio University assistant wrestling coach saying he was probably impaired just before he was arrested on charges of reckless operation and operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
Highway patrolman Robert Bradley, who arrested coach Kyle Hansen on Aug. 4, testified at a hearing Thursday that Hansen crossed the center line twice and was driving 60 mph in a construction zone on U.S. Route 33 near State Street.
Bradley said Hansen told him he had consumed his last drink 5 to 15 minutes before he was pulled over. When Bradley began checking to see if Hansen was impaired, the coach said, I know. I know. I probably am
according to Bradley and video evidence.
Bradley testified before Athens Municipal Court Judge William Grim that Hansen failed an eye movement exercise and a partial alphabet recitation, both of which tested for signs of intoxication. He also said Hansen smelled of alcohol and had glassy, bloodshot eyes.
Hansen's attorney, K. Robert Toy, argued that Bradley did not have cause for stopping his client, who crossed the center line for just seconds, Toy said. He pointed out that Hansen failed 3 of 9 factors in a walk-and-turn impairment test.
Bradley had judged Hansen's speed that night by driving behind him and matching his speed ' a technique called pacing. Toy contended Bradley's pacing was not conducted for a long enough time, and that Bradley should have used radar instead of pacing.
City Prosecutor Lisa Eliason argued Bradley could judge Hansen's speed using only pacing because Bradley would have had to be stationary to use a radar gun.
Toy also expressed frustration that the video shown was new evidence and had not previously been provided in full to the attorneys. Instead, they had been basing their case on a small portion of the video, he said.
Hansen is on paid administrative leave from OU and prohibited from participating in any team activities until his legal matters are resolved.
Grim set a trial date for Jan. 11. 17
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Stephanie Hummel
