Dalton dismissed from football team

The freshman was fighting for the backup quarterback spot.

By Lyndsie Manusos and Sean Leahy

Published Aug. 29, 2009

MU freshman quarterback Blaine Dalton was dismissed from the football team by coach Gary Pinkel on Friday due to a violation of team conduct policies, stated a news release from the football program.

MU Police Department Capt. Brian Weimer said Dalton was arrested Friday at 1:16 a.m. at Hitt Street and University Avenue on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, failure to drive within a single lane and operating an unlicensed motor vehicle.

Weimer also said that field sobriety tests and a breath instrument test were given and that the arrest will be under investigation until it goes to court.

This is Dalton's second arrest in four months, his first occurring in April.

Dalton came to MU a semester early in order to participate in spring drills. He left Blue Springs South High School after leading the team to two state championship games, winning it all in 2006 and falling short last year.

During the spring season, Dalton worked his way up the depth chart and eventually found his name in consideration for the backup role.

After his April arrest, he was suspended by coach Gary Pinkel but rejoined the team in time to participate in fall camp.

Dalton spent the preseason fighting alongside sophomore Jimmy Costello and freshman Ashton Glaser for the backup job to sophomore Blaine Gabbert.

The team ended preseason camp with a scrimmage yesterday in which Dalton threw for 18 yards, completing five of 12 passes and getting intercepted once.