Former WKU, UK Basketball Star Arrested for DUI in Bowling Green

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Posted: 11:39 AM Jun 2, 2008
Last Updated: 12:38 PM Jun 2, 2008

14 comments

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A former WKU and UK basketball star from Muhlenberg County was arrested for driving under the influence.

Patrick Sparks was pulled over by Bowling Green police early on May 30, after making an improper turn on University Boulevard.

Sparks was taken to the Warren County Regional Jail just after 3:00 a.m. and was released five hours later.

He was charged with DUI and improper turning.

Sparks was a starter for Western Kentucky University from 2001 to 2003 before transferring to the University of Kentucky, where he was a stand out guard.

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Posted by: Post for Matt's Mom Location: Bowling Green KY on Sep 18, 2008 at 11:29 AM
I agree with Matt's mom forever in Florida. I got a DUI back in 1997, and I will never be behind the wheel again after drinking. I thanked the officer who arrested me because he saved lives that night. I wish the night your son was taken there was a police officer there like there was the night I got out on the road after drinking. I am sorry. We all know that driving when drinking is foolish and can take children away from their mothers. I will never ever do it again. Almost 10 years later I have held my promise and I will keep it that way.

Posted by: MattsMomForever Location: Florida on Jun 22, 2008 at 12:10 AM
My 21 year old son as killed by a drunk driver over Christmas of 2006, my only child. A few months before his college graduation. Even before he could drive I told him that if you *choose* to drink and drive then you have *chosen* to make your car a deadly weapon no different than if it were a loaded gun. He didn't drink & driven but instead lost his life to the selfish & criminal act of a drunk driver. Now I have have been sentenced to life. But most people still think of DD as the OOPS crime. As a mistake. It is NOT a mistake. It is a conscious choice. It has nothing to do with "being human". Rather the opposite. The last thing I would ever tell my young son is that this Patrick was human and made a mistake. You are on your way to sending a future drunk driver out on the public. Don't worry, your son will be fine, it's the innocent that get hurt and killed by them. And why do people like Patrick get in the media when they do something like this? Because they ARE in the media.

Posted by: Dee Location: Central City on Jun 20, 2008 at 09:33 PM
I have know Pat and his family for many years and I do understand that people make mistakes and should be forgiven for them, however for those who think this should not be plastered on the front page - give me a break. I know lots of good people that have had similar things happen in their lives from Muhlenberg County and I can guarantee you those moments were plastered on the front page of the local papers. Pat is somewhat of a celeb and he has enjoyed several years of mostly positive press. He should also endure the scrutiny of the public when he falls short of what has been expected. Pat has had many opportunities handed to him. Growing up he was thrust into the limelight, expected to be the best, made to be the best, had to be the best. But was he??? I don't think so, he just had more opportunities than those kids that didn't have the "connections" that he did. Sorry Pat, no sympathy from me.

Posted by: chris Location: muhlenbreg on Jun 10, 2008 at 09:07 PM
how come this news was not on the front page of the weekly paper in central city. hands off to pat ok ball player next level not get a real job like every one else. jade perry has done as much or more then pat and she gets less hype why is that? if a paper is going to print something make sure that its the same for all people not just the ones that seem that they cant do no wrong.

Posted by: Les Location: BG on Jun 6, 2008 at 10:43 PM
Maybe this is why they took his sign down in Central City.

Posted by: Monica Location: Muhlenberg on Jun 4, 2008 at 01:43 PM
I think what he did was wrong and would never say otherwise, but I also think that people are being really hard on him and I am sorry to say that people from "HOME" are being the worst! I am very proud of what he has done and continues to do in his career. I hope he learns from this huge mistake and never does it again. But back off people, he is still human. My young son looks up to him too and I had to explain this to him as well, and you know what I said...he is just a person, just like you and me and we are not perfect and neither is he. Good luck Pat, you will need it with the judge and jury like you have in this world.

Posted by: Jane Location: Kentucky on Jun 4, 2008 at 10:21 AM
People get DUI's everyday and it is not flashed all over the media.Give the kid a break and leave it alone.It is bad enough on his family without everyone talking about it!

Posted by: Shannon Location: Greenville on Jun 4, 2008 at 03:08 AM
I guess about a week ago, at my son's baseball practice, a 7 year old boy on the team comes up to my husband and excitedly says that he got his shirt signed at basketball camp by Patrick Sparks. He was so proud that he took the time to just sign his name on his t-shirt. The kids in this small hometown DO look up to him. I mean, he got to play for the wildcats! In Kentucky it just don't get any better than that! As a role model, and just as a grown man, he should know better than to do such a stupid, selfish thing. Shame on you Pat. I mean, really... get over yourself and realize the position your in. These kids do look up to you. You should make them proud. Thank goodness you were arrested before you really hurt someone.

Posted by: Rick Location: louisville on Jun 3, 2008 at 08:46 PM
He should not have been driving a car.He should have walked (he's quiet good at that if memory serves)

Posted by: jerry Location: russellville on Jun 2, 2008 at 07:46 PM
You know we all make mistakes in life. How many people are picked up for the same thing,but they are not flashed over a news screen for everyone to know? I know of very few people that when a better opportunity presents itself they do not take advantage of it. Did the coach not bail out for a bigger school? I guess he should not return to BG either,he might get arrested! We tend to hold atheletes to a higher standard than we do our own selves. By no way am I condoning what happened, but I do not see the point behind some of these comments. Oh, by the way he is only human even though he can play basketball.

Posted by: Cookie Location: Central City on Jun 2, 2008 at 03:57 PM
Western Kentucky fans have forgot that he was on the team that beat UK. I hope that the Kentucky fans don't forget that he also was the player that hit the shot that beat Louisville. Yes, he made a mistake and I am sure he is sorry for his actions. Patrick Sparks has always been involed in our community, and a good leader. The world is not a perfect little place, but I wish it was. Have you ever done anything wrong? When he does something the whole world knows it.

Posted by: Cop Location: Franklin on Jun 2, 2008 at 01:34 PM
Why would he come back to Bowling Green after the way he ditched us in 2003? This is what he gets for returning.

Posted by: L.A. Location: BG on Jun 2, 2008 at 01:18 PM
Way to set an example for the few children left who admire you Patrick. If you are going to drink and drive, do it somewhere besides Bowling Green. Thankfully he didn't injure someone while doing something so incredibly stupid.

Posted by: Shelby Location: Esters on Jun 2, 2008 at 11:47 AM
This was a very big shock to me. I always thought "packy" was better thasn this

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