Former Nebraska men’s golf coach accused of aggravated DUI

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Nebraska’s former men’s golf coach has been accused of driving under the influence in Colfax County, according to an arrest affidavit.

Around 9:44 p.m. on July 2, Brett Balak was pulled over at a Casey’s in Schuyler when a Colfax County deputy saw that his taillights were out.

The deputy then approached Balak’s vehicle and saw that he had bloodshot and watery eyes, the affidavit says.

Balak was asked to step out of the vehicle and come back to the deputy’s patrol car.

At this time, the deputy reported smelling alcohol on Balak, according to the affidavit.

Balak told the deputy he had six beers while at golf and 1 ½ beers at his mom’s house but said he hadn’t had a beer since 8 p.m.

The deputy then asked Balak to do a standardized field sobriety test, which he refused to do and instead opted for a 15-minute observation period.

After 21 minutes, Balak blew over double the legal limit, with a blood alcohol content of 0.184%, the affidavit says.

Balak was then taken to the Schuyler Police Department for another test, which he also failed, with a blood alcohol content of 0.15%.

He was charged with second-offense aggravated DUI and having an open alcohol container.

Balak announced he would step down as head coach on July 29, the same day he was charged.

In a statement, he said, “I have made the decision to step away from my position as men’s golf coach at the University of Nebraska. It is time for me to focus on my family and pursue other professional opportunities which allow me to spend more time at home and less time away on the road. It has been an incredible experience to coach the young men in our program here in Lincoln. I am extremely grateful to the administration and Nebraska Athletics for this opportunity. There is No Place Like Nebraska. Thank you!”