Eleven days after getting hit with a suspicion of drunk driving, the bow fate of Nebraska center Mike Caputo has been verified. Coach Bo Pelini said today that Caputo would play in the Capital One Bowl against South Carolina.
Caputo had his charge reduced to reckless driving yesterday, although Pelini still said he would wait before making an announcement on Caputo’s playing status. Officers found Caputo asleep at the wheel of a stationary vehicle on Dec. 11. Caputo joins defensive end Eric Martin as two Huskers who faced legal problems after the end of the regular season. Martin was charged with leaving the scene of an accident in a Wal-Mart parking lot, but will also play in the Capital One Bowl.
Below is a statement from Pelini:“Mike Caputo will participate with our football team in the Capital One Bowl. He has been disciplined internally over the past couple weeks following his incident, and he will have additional disciplinary measures during our bowl trip in Orlando.
“As I have stated before, we run a disciplined football program based on accountability, and our track record off the field and in the classroom stacks up well against anyone in the country. Our players trust that I handle discipline in our program in a fair manner, and that I will make an informed decision after looking at the facts of each situation independently.
“I know that Mike regrets this incident occurred and any negative publicity it has caused for his family, this program and the University of Nebraska. He is ready to finish his Nebraska career in a positive manner in the bowl game.