Gardner out as men’s basketball coach, Rimm named as interim

IUPUI men’s basketball coach Jason Gardner, who was arrested and charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated Monday morning, resigned on Tuesday.

Gardner was arrested in Hamilton Country early Monday morning. On Tuesday, IUPUI stated that Gardner and the university “have mutually agreed to part ways” following the incident. 

Byron Rimm II, who previously served as an assistant on Gardner’s staff as well as an assistant at UC Riverside, has been named interim head coach for the 2019-2020 season.

According to the Fishers Police Department, Gardner was found asleep at the wheel at the intersection of Cumberland Road and Bruddy Drive around 4:30 a.m. on Monday morning. Authorities were forced to enter the car and take it out of gear after failing to wake Gardner up.

Gardner eventually woke up and identified himself to police. Police say Gardner stumbled out of the vehicle and failed every field sobriety test given to him. Alcohol was also allegedly smelled on Gardner’s breath.

Gardner was taken into custody and transported to Hamilton County Jail. Results from a blood toxicology test are still pending.