Gillispie pleads guilty to DUI

Gillispie enters plea in court

Former Kentucky coach Billy Gillispie appeared in the courtroom this morning in Anderson County where he entered a guilty plea to driving under the influence of alcohol in August.

As the former UK basketball coach entered the courtroom, he quickly became the center of attention. Billy Gillispie was arrested in August in Anderson County after officers pulled him over and saying they smelled alcohol on him.

Today Billy Gillispie entered a guilty plea for driving under the influence, releasing a statement through his lawyer.

Gillispie says "I made a mistake and admitted to my mistake today to Judge (Linda) Armstrong. I accept the penalty she has imposed. I want to apologize to the people of Kentucky, my family and friends, and I want to thank all of those who have reached out to me over the past several months with kinds words of encouragement and support", Billy Gillespie said through a written statement.

Gillispie's penalty includes paying a fine of more than one-thousand dollars, suspension of his drivers license in Kentucky, and completing an alcohol drivers education program.

The county attorney, Bobbi Jo Lewis, says she was satisfied with the penalty.

"Mr. Gillispie has been treated the same as any other person who appears before the Anderson district court charged as he was, no better and no worse", says Bobbi Jo Lewis.

Billy Gillispie quickly left the courtroom and avoided interaction with the media. 27 Newsfirst did attempt to ask him for an interview, but he refused to say anything.